Coming back to the topic with some first impressions:
The octa sure has some unique aspects when it comes to midi sequencing! For example, the scale function is not the same on the AR, the OTs implementation is more comprehensive, allowing different time signatures (multipliers) per track. Wish this feature was on the AR as well.
Then theres the arp, love it. Generative melodies by stacking LFOs on the notes et al
Lastly, the “plays free” in hold mode - talk about MIDI phrase sampling!
I am totally in love with this thing - getting an OT second hand would have felt like cheating tbh, it has exceeded my expectations already! Combined with resampling to AR via Mobilelite Wireless and STROM, I can now fiddle with my rig well into my sixties LOL