I assume CAT in this context is computer aided transmissions, or something?
I think it is desirable from an operational point of view to have physical knobs and controls on the radios - think about smoke in the cockpit for example.
On Airbus we can remotely control any radio from any Audio Control Panel e.g. 'post' frequencies to other radios. On some other aircraft types, e.g. Dash 8; Comm radios can be preloaded with, I think it was eight frequencies for easy selection. But they all have actual knobs and controls.
I would like to know when they will introduce digital audio modulation of HF radio. That would vastly improve that service.