Earlier quoted context omitted.
A few more years and we might be able to approach Atari ST levels of MIDI performance…
Never gonna happen. The architecture of modern hardware and operating systems won't allow for that kind of low latency and jitter.
Doing Direct-To-Bus MIDI handling can't be replicated in modern architecture like the ST was configured.
That said, given the popularity in analog semi-modulars to be used as DAW outboard with MIDI over USB implementations that add latency and jitter, is it even a consideration for most users?
Ableton and other performance oriented DAWs automatically compensate for MIDI and audio latency caused by plugins and devices; in Ableton's case it will delay the audio by the overall system latency, and/or bypasses plugin delay compensation only for armed/monitored tracks, making them more responsive.
The real answer to the question is, as always, to use hardware sequencers and control voltage triggered off your master clock or DAW. SQ-64 is as rock solid as an Atari ST for CV work, although the 64ppqn limit doesn't match the Atari ST' 384pqqn capabilities. That said, standard MIDI Beat Clock is much lower at 24 PPQN. If you want to go all Autechre/Aphex Twin there's plenty of ways to skin that cat.