or should i just forget the in-dash cd receiver and just have the rio?

That's what I've done. I prefer it that way. The whole point of the player was to get rid of CDs.

i would appreciate input from an old empeg/rio user to let me know how much use does the cd player actually get?

Everyone says that the CD player gets used rarely. If listening to the occasional CD is important to you, get a cheap portable to stick in the glove box and run it into the Rio Car's aux-ins.

This is all in the FAQ, by the way.

Now, as far as tuner modules are concerned, that is definitely a sticking point. They are sold out. There is talk of MAYBE another production run sponsored by a third party investor. Or you could buy one on ebay.