Mike Rivers wrote:

Each is more confusing to operate than the other. Check out the user
interface carefully and pick the one that makes the most sense to you.

Yes: that's exactly the kind of detail that is very difficult to assess
until you've actually spent some time with the unit, which is one reason
why I asked here.

Also check the number and kind of inputs and outputs, built-in
effects
[...]

When I first posted they seemed to have similar specs - I've since seen
that the Yamaha's dynamics processing available on all channels
represents a hell of a lot more processing power than the Fostex's
single assignable compressor and FX unit.

In other words, do your own homework!

Point well taken, but I counted asking here as part of the homework,
despite the risk (I know this group well enough!)

Thanks for taking any notice at all, anyway.

Anahata