Luis, I think one of the challenges of today's producers is to think outside the box. It is very convenient for us to use emulations, use techniques that were employed in historic projects and do 'what worked'.
Personally I am starting to be in auto-pilot mode. And it is NOT good. Client needs always require auto-pilot procedures for faster turn-over time but now I am starting to appreciate how guys like Eddie Kramer, Jimmy Page, and all those producers worked their brains to achieve new sounds.