As far as your original post goes, the R-09HR sounds very decent on its own. When funds allow I will be picking one up for myself. My Iriver does a fine job but it will be nice to have 24bit capabilities in a tiny box. Now, we could get into the whole "the s/n ratio of the R-09HR just makes it a very good 16bit recorder" discussion but it will be an improvement over the Iriver's ADC. Too bad it does not have a digi-in....
One of the reasons I asked the original question is that I have both an R09HR and Microtrack II and since I'm cash poor from buying so goddang much gear, I was trying to figure out what to sell. But after further contemplation, I think the best answer is to keep them both for just the reason you're saying. If I need a bit bucket, the MTII has digi-in. For all else, the R-09HR has low noise and can stand toe-to-toe with higher priced units.
With prices down around $160 to $170 for the MTII and less than $300 for the R09HR, you can get them both for a reasonable price and if you ever have occasion to run two rigs, there you go...you even can do 4 channel if the opportunity presents itself to hook into the SBD or if you have a separate preamp and mics to lug along (which I do).