As a host developer, I'd like to explain why control values are not valid at activate(). Imagine a modular plugin system which allows chaining of control signals. Assume all plugins are activated before any is run... [A]-->[B]-> 'A's control outputs might depend on it's audio input. i.e. 'A' can't send control signals until run() is called. Given that, 'B's input ports can't ever be valid during activate. Best to not access control values during activate. Perhaps helpful if hosts never provide them... to encourage plugin developers to write robust code ;) Jeff