If it works, then use it, I say. I would warrant a guess that Focusrite puts a lot more care and quality components into their conversions (both digital and analogue) than Apple, however. The preamps are also a good deal better.
The thing with recording as either a hobby or career is that there is NO upper limit in either hardware or technique; it goes on forever. As an individual, YOU decide when to get off the equipment train -- no one can tell you X is 'better' than Y, though they will try. Does it sound good? Then it is good!
Example: the last song I mixed was done entirely ITB. I usually mix music tracks hybrid using a method that works for me. While the mix turned out fine, there are certain elements that I know could have been better had I done a hybrid mix. The current trend in the audio industry is the move towards simpler monitoring, simplifying the 2-bus, and mixing entirely in the box, but for me it just diesn't yield the same level results -- sometimes you simply have to decide for yourself what your exit point will be.
