Perhaps the accolades for your persistence should be greater.  Above and beyond the call, Mr. mosso.  You certainly have done well by me.

Yes, I have used the Cubase sends .  Beat Kaufmann's excellent earliar course discussed  a Cubase use  of sends and group channels.  I have been made aware of shaping the stereo pattern and placing the instruments in the MIDI mixer channel of VE.  Kaufmann is near to publishing his english version of  using VI (August was the target) in which I am anticipating some changes in procedure as when to balance the instruments, adjust the stereo width and place the reverb.  He, like you, is  thorough.  I do not know what direction he has taken.  I do hope it will cover the above.

Thanks again for your patience and help.  You have made me a fan.

Best and warmest regards,

tony h