I have no insight into Lionel's future product plans but I doubt Lionel will abandon the LCS concept. The specific devices may evolve. I use LCS to control my layout and really like it. It has many good features and is simple to install, connect and program.
Some specific items. My layout has the ASC2's and BPC2's located at the items they control, so, for example wiring from a turnout back to an ASC2 is short. The only bus wiring for the LCS is the PDI cable and the power. Multiple iPads can be used at the same time. I have three in use for visitor support, one is a 13" with an Apple pencil, the other two are 10" easy to carry iPads. It is convenient that engines can also be controlled from the LCS iPads although I mostly use Cab2's to operate trains. The LCS operates all turnouts, uncouplers, action cars, lighting and block power. It also has many preset routes that can be actuated with a single icon. It is also easy to spread the layout mimic over multiple screens with the same turnout controllable from more than one screen. I have seven LCS screens to operate the layout.
I would absolutely use LCS again were there a need. The issue at the moment is some components seem to be on backorder.
