I can't help thinking this is over-complicating the job. Whilst there are some people who want to just replace the computer with a modern equivalent, I can't help thinking a lot of people would be happy with machine control, fader control, cuts and Total Recall
Leaving TR aside for a moment, what about machine control and faders/cuts? Most people use a DAW, not tape, and for them a way to write & update faders and cuts would go a long way to integrating the SSL back into the studio
My suggestion: a simple interface on the console reading the faders & cuts. Midi in and out. Faders controlled as Midi continuous controllers. Data written to the DAW as it is now with Pro Tools / Logic / etc
Yes, I agree that 127 levels of resolution may not be ideal for a fader. So use a non-linear scale and two controllers per fader or some other bastardisation of the Midi spec.
My feeling is that making a system that will work with every DAW out there will guarantee a significant take-up and that take-up will help the project succeed rather than kill it
Nick Froome