What's the difference between just setting the dry output to a percentage and actually duplicating a dry track? Just trying to think logically - I've seen this advice before and your track is mixed very well, so I'm truly asking this question to gain in understanding.
I guess on the other side of it, the piano VST I'm using isn't the absolute top of the line either, and the reverb getting a little more distant compensates a little for the piano's color characteristics.
I'll probably cave in and get i-Lok so I can actually buy one of the Vienna Symphonic Library pianos, or their whole bundle. One of these days.
That said, since I make instruments I could probably just tweak the reverbs and EQs to really pull more apparent tone and color out of the drier piano sound.
Thank you for the feedback!