the real thing that annoys me is that PD __HAS__ to compared with MAX, but MAX has really unhandy features.
sending symbols with gui objects ( sliders, radios, ... ) is something much more elegant and powerful than making segmented patch chords !!!
so, it's a different way of doing things that i find much more convenient than any other patcher.
PD doesn't have to imitate MAX in any way, people coming from MAX have to adapt ( and to learn how to compile )
cheers,
sevy/yves