We always drag our amps up on those little 10 by 10 foot stages at the local clubs. I usually record with
a combo, but I've wheeled a 4x4 cab into
the studio because it has a certain sound I wanted on a certain track.
I've never been asked to DI into a sim while recording or playing live. Those would be fighting words to every guitarist I know.
I've seen "acts" who use computers and drum machines and other bullshit on stage, modeling amps have been around for a long time now and you seldom see them in clubs or concerts. Hell, I have Palladia on the tv most of the time, and even the pop bands have half stacks these days.
99% of the guitarists I know chase tone, and every single one I know who was stoned enough to pick up a Line 6 ended up going back to tubes within a few months. That cold harsh tone causes fatigue.
Hell, electric keyboards sound great, but I don't know any keyboard player who doesn't want a big grand piano.
As long as rock, blues, and country are guitar driven, there will be tube amps, and while sims are here and some people use them, they're niche, and the future of nothing.
So now that I've introduced myself here, can we talk about drum machines vs. real drummers next?