The problem with having your controller control everything

[FrankS]

So based on your experience than what would be the right recommendation?
That is have a controller but still have separate systems (that might be controlled to some extent i.e as a timer, a socket (on/off)). What I mean is instead of having the ATO directly managed,connected and controlled by the controller, have for example the Tunze Osmo.. connected to the controller. Therefore if the controller dies at least you have the ATO functional after you plug it directly into the wall. The alternative is to have the controller using all the right accessories manage everything?