Hmmm.
I think Asterisk conf files are easy to write, especially if you use macros. If you aren't the manual dialplan writing type, you can always let FreePBX do it for you.
I like the fact that Asterisk covers most of the bases, and that it can be easily integrated with a number of different programs. It's usability seems so much more infinite than SipX.
But hey, you say "lynuks" I say "lihnuks"...
I see your points too. I've been thinking about splitting up Asterisk's duties among a few different boxes, but we'll see how comfortable it is on it's new home. (the mighty AMD X2 4600 with 2 GB DDR2)
-n8