Stage 3 Compact : Answer to the main question

I finally pulled the trigger and got the Compact. Regarding the dilemma between this and HP, I'd say the semi-weighted keys play extremely nicely and are well worth the weight saving + the drawbars are a bonus. HP keybed isn't as good as the 88.

And regarding many reviews saying it's too expensive compared to competition - yes, it's a decision nobody makes lightheartedly, but for live performances, I've found nothing that works better for me than Nord. Anything can happen during a live performance - guitarist breaks a string and you have to solo the thing off in an instant, while adjusting everything accordingly etc. It's just very comforting to have a lot of control via hardware buttons. Workstations offer you more in terms of sound, but you have to program the set very carefully. Many say, that the synth doesn't offer layers, but I can assure you, you can play any type of genre with this thing. I've seen people not using the full potential of the extern section or the sample editor, there aren't many instances you'd wish for something more. Only thing I'd ask, is maybe a proper sidechaining inside the hardware and the ability to assign effects to multiple engines at the same time, but it's a minor complaint, more memory would be always welcome.

All and all, my back thanks me from the first day and the asking price quickly turns into investment.