We keep our DL1608's around as our "oh shit" mixers in case anything goes wrong with our Soundcraft Si consoles (which have become our standard). I use them for grab&go gigs, more often in the winter than this time of year especially now that I have an Expression 1 that packs very small. I just work better & faster with physical faders, if the Axis had come out a couple of years earlier I might have gone that route (still might eventually, who knows?).
This is my busiest year every (been hearing that from a LOT of other engineers) & it feels good to have so many options among modern consoles!
In the spirit of the thread: I just turned 47 & fully plan on continuing this business for at least another 20 years, I just LOVE mixing bands and helping make a scene happen!