Using Learn with NI Guitar Rig's Loop Machine

[bpoc]

I found a great use for Guitar Rig's Loop Machine on the Bus or Master FX on my Receptor 2 Pro. Unlike many loopers, it can be set to an arbitrary number of measures. The loops can be super long as well. That permits the use of say, 32 measures loops to do a full chorus of a jazz standard even after laying down shorter loops of drums for example (multibleloops mode). That's nice for soloing over at a gig.
A fade-out button would be nice (like Mainstage has) but otherwise it's very cool.

The Problem?
It is too awkward to use the mouse in live performance situations. I have been trying to use hardware controller buttons on both my Korg Tactile and StudioLogic VMK to trigger the software Looper functions. Tried a number of approaches to have virtual buttons "learn" hardware buttons but getting no response from software. Right clicking bring up learn option but after clicking and then moving hardware button or slider, I get nothing.
Using usb cable, Receptor os 2.0.1. Assigning to virtual pedals is no problem. Assigning those to hardware under Options (left side panel) does not work either.
Is there a known bug in Mix mode?
Will spending $200 US on rack mode solve this?
Rack Mode looks pretty. But functionally, is it worth the $ really?
Has anyone tried anything like this with some success?