In this brief paper, the author reflects on his uneasiness and dissatisfaction with the state of the art regarding the fields of interactive instruments, musical controllers, and responsive environments. He notes that many of these systems have been customized for particular compositions, performances, or performers, and have not been standardized in a way that affords them a certain "instrumentality". And that while such systems may 'hook' a novice user with their novelty, few systems are capable of encouraging deeper exploration, continued discovery and creativity.