I wouldn’t consider the WRT820 consumer grade...compared to the chintzy stuff on the market the last decade the Ramsa is a relatively robust build and nicely featured...somewhat contemporary to the Tascam M-500 series...sort of in between the M-500 and M-3000 series chronologically. Panasonic hardware is generally well-regarded.
Well...I always felt that anything that uses RCA connectors, is generally meant for consumer use.
That doesn't necessarily mean the build quality is bad...but I don't recall those being used all that much in a pro setting.
Mind you, IMO, most of the Tascam stuff, even my old 3500...are consumer and pro-sumer grade, with the exception of their top end models.
None of that means you can't use those to good results...but it's just how they fall in the scheme of things.
I was mainly comparing the Trident 78 to the Ramsa, which is kinda apples-n-oranges considering that the Trident 78 is new design, and the Ramsa is from the early '90s (not sure when they stopped making them. It's a good jump between the two, IMO.
Also...there is the overall design mentality...you've got English vs Japanese...and I don't mean that in any other way than sound perspective, each having its style.
Here's a good review/overview of the Trident 78:
Trident Audio Developments 78 Series
The real deal with new Tridents would be the 88 series...but a lot more $$$.
TBH...I wouldn't buy the 78 for $30k.
If I was going to drop that much on a console...I would look for something higher-end, used.
One has to keep in mind that these new Tridents are not the same as the old-school Series 80 and TSM (like you mentioned).
I'm also not a big PMI Group fan...but I don't want to get into that here.
Yeah...for $30k...I would look find something vintage high-end...or if I was determined for something new...then maybe Audient or Neotek is what I would consider...but I think if you look around, for $30k you could find a killer used, high-end console.
I'm kinda curious how/why the OP ended up with the choice between the Ramsa and the Trident...and if there were any other considerations?
Besides the need for more channels...what are you really looking for...something that is super clinical, precise, with lots of features and flexibility...or would you trade some of that for something that had a certain character, color...that just added something sweet to sources.
The other question would be about the type of music you were mainly going to use it for....what's the main purpose.
Those things may make a difference in your selection process.