I don't want to argue with you about this... What it comes down to is this: there are some of us that are purists. I want the unadulterated digital recording. It doesn't matter to me that there is no audible difference between one or the other, which BTW, I never suggested would occur.
For me, I want a Bit Perfect copy of your tape from the show, not some processed copy. And frankly, I think adding the analog step to adjust levels is pointless. If I need to raise levels at all, I'll just raise the volume and adjust the balance on my amp. If I feel that the recording needs any kind of "mastering", I would prefer to do it on the raw recording.
But again that is just my opinion. If you want to tweak your tapes before you release them, that is your perogative. And if you find it easier to run via RCA rather than SPDIF, that is also your perogative.
I suppose it has to do with priorities... For me, I am trying to record The Experience, not necessarily record the next Live Album. If some douchebag is chatting away, so be it. I heard it at the show, so I should hear it on the tape. I'm not particular in that respect. However, I have invested in a Rig and Playback that is pleasing to my ears without need for any kind of post-processing. For me, my raw tapes are good enough. However, I understand that not everyone will feel that way. So when I seed Shows, I try to seed unprocessed recordings (albeit, processed from 24/48 > 16/44 for ease of use by the masses). That way, anyone that wants to process my recording, for their own tastes, can be confident their are doing so with the "pure" recordings.
Again, your wants and needs may be different hence your different method in Transfering your DATs...
Peace...
Terry