I think software comps and modeling technology is getting better, overall. You gotta' figure one of the major components of the distressor and the RNP is a DSP chip that serves as the compressor's brain, rather than something like a VCA, so it probably is only a matter of time before the software version has truly advanced and matured.
Honestly, I think it's almost a blessing to have all of that stuff you've got at your disposal.
I'd think an ideal setup would be to have all of your plugins available for when the occasion calls for them and when nothing else will do, basically. But still keep maybe one or two traditional racked comps around and track with those when the occasion calls for it. It really surprizes you after you go back from time to time, because you realize there's just something there that you can't put your finger on that's there with the hardware. Hard to describe.
Finding creative ways to combine both worlds can have a serious element of magic to it. It's a lot like layering guitar and combining a good amp tone with a complimentary POD tone. Both tracks can merge to create an entirely different tone.