Jim,
I'm in a bind now. Just like you noticed - using the analog receiver to steer the dish / change polarities is a pain - especially once you've grown accusomed to a SG2100 or the likes of it.
Right now I'm debating if I should order a VBOX II from over-seas or break down and pick up a 4DTV.
Going to 4DTV seems like it'd be a no-brainer since I have a Analog sytem up, running, and subbed.
4DTV Pros:
Nice picture
Premium channels cheap
4DTV cons (for me):
My dish is too small.
4DTV doesn't play nice with Tivo (doable, but manaul)
Lots of money up front.
VBOX II Pros:
I can do everything from the Pansat.
It won't bother me to set the dish with the Pansat, tune with the Analog receiver.
I'll actually get my Pansat back in action.
VBOX II Cons:
Waste of money if I change my mind and pick up a 4DTV.
My other concern is that prevously my Ku side sucked. I re-aligned the feedhorn (it was way off) and I haven't had a chance to evaluate the Ku side since the fix. Before, my little P* dish would easily trump the 5' on Ku. If that has changed, I'll feel better going the VBOX II route. If not, having the Pansat slaved will have to suffice so that I can keep the SG2100 in action doing USALS.
Decisions, decisions.