Hi Dvaid,
With regard to the drum pad thing, it's got more to do with the information being sent from the pads rather than the pads themselves. I just have them out put note numbers. The real reason I do this is that they are not effected by the 'octave' transposition of the keyboard when using the very different keyboard ranges required when programming the various parts of an arrangement.
You can, using Redmatica Keymap, easily change the articulation switching to any sort of midi info, but variable controllers seem to be best used for expression of the various articulations rather than the switching itself.
I do know that many people do it in different ways and as far as the 'scoring' technique I use, it is also in development constantly, as I haven't had a great deal of experience in the orchestral department.
I hope you find the best way that suits your style.
Regards,
Matt