when you factor in 7.1-11.3 analog connections your rca count would be alot higher..
adding the the spdif/toslink

the composite video 2in/1out (config monitor only for output)2 ins to cover vcr and lp laser disc..
s-video/component either/or inputs and outputs: choice of video inputs is a requirement, analog stereo support for components that require..

example: if the processor was going analog multichan over all inputs for ausio. 5.1 (60 in/18 out) 7.1-7.2 (80-90 in/24-27 out), 9.1-9.3 (100-120 in/30-36 out) 11.1-11.3 (120-140 in/36-42 out..

it will likely be cheaper doing a stereo solution for primary 2chan and use spdif, for multi chan audio dropping the excess requirements for more analog inputs to cover the 5.1-11.3 analog audio spectrum.. reducing the amount of cables required is always a plus.. where possible..

for rihd support i'd likely say a 16-32 port solution would be a requirement, never liked the option of daisy-chaining multiple components together, for components that support rihd i prefer each component to have its own connection for commands..