Reply to MIDI controller + Macbook + Audio Interface

Apparently there is no intro section, so I'm just gonna dive right into the discussions .

The 'problem' at hand is this:

I have a Macbook (the last black model, with Firewire), which I love a lot. However, it only has 2 USB ports and 1 FW. I am going to purchase a VCI-100 and a soundcard very soon, I'm getting tired of the internal mixer. At some point in time, I want to use more MIDI controllers with Traktor and possibly Ableton Live. If I buy a USB soundcard and the VCI-100, my ports are filled up, and I haven't seen many MIDI controllers with FW.

My proposed solution was buying the Edirol FA-66 or FA-101 and the VCI-100. This leaves room for e.g. nanoKONTROL by Korg or something similar. USB hubs generally create latency, so I didn't see this as an option (or is it?). Because if USB hubs are an option, for example putting the USB soundcard and the 2ndary MIDI controller on 1 USB port, my problem is solved.

I like the idea of controllerism, but I want to move back to a DVS at some point in the future. My question is, how does a FA-66/FA-101 play with current DVSs? I understand that Traktor Scratch doesn't work with anything but the Audio 8, correct? But a program like Mixxx (which I don't really like...) would work with DVS, right?

Also, can I use the XLR-in's at the front of both the FA-66 and the FA-101 as RCA inputs with a XLR (male)==>RCA (female) cable?

Sorry about the large amount of questions. I know some of these things have been brought up seperatly in different threads, but I couldn't find anything that put questions about this working together. Also, it is a lot of money to drop on gear and I just want to be sure!

~moloch