To clarify my confusions...... I have the option to either; a) upgrade to PT11 (which is still currently not supporting 10.9.4) and keep using the 11r as an interface or b) ditch PT and with the same money buy an audio interface with (maybe) better AD/DA converters and (maybe) a better DAW that comes with the interface.

speaking of AD/DA converters, do you guys think that if I buy a new audio interface today chances are that it sounds better than the 11r (converters/preamps)? and while we re at it - which DAW you might recommend for prog/metalish project? (essentially lots of time changes and some orchestrations along with recording bass and guitar). I also would prefer one that looks kinda nice and intuitive cause sometimes PT can scare me away