Yes they can, but they are not as easy to program and, like you say….expensive.

Look what Line6 did with the M series and the POD series…best of both worlds as far as GUI is concerned…… but seriously lacking in the tonal department….this is where I much prefer Eventide effects they are much higher quality and more distinctive.

I agree with the plugging into the PA approach… I started doing this about 3 years ago and will not go back….so much easier