Hardware synths have their own custom DSP circuit which separates them from VSTs as it gives each synth a unique sound. If you take out the DSP circuit and replace it with a general purpose CPU, then you basically have a fancy layer over what is essentially a VST plugin. Sure, the hardware aspect is convenient, but in terms of sound I think we should stick to custom circuits.

I was thinking more of the physical controls rather than the implementation details :) Most of the reasons I use hardware rather than software boils down to "feels great" and "is more fun" basically, because of the physical controls.

The precise and exact sound is less interesting, how you're able to conjure it at just the right moment and with precise controls tend to be more interesting for me personally.