First, let's look at the back of your receiver...
Now let's address your issues...
... does not provide a digital audio input for a Cable TV box.
Well, if I were you, I would connect the cable box to the receiver using HDMI it handles both the video and the audio in one shot - I think that's the 3rd HDMI connection there on the top and any HD cable box out there should have HDMI output on it.
...my hook up for computer digital input.
Not sure what your computer uses for digital audio output, but you can use any of the available coaxial or optical digital inputs for your audio from any source you want. Pick one - it doesn't matter - then assign it using the menu system of the receiver.
This receiver also has no video input capabilities on the USB ports as well as the Ethernet RJ-45 connection.
USB and Ethernet aren't video connections, they are data connections. Since there are dozens upon dozens of different digital formats available, it is far more common for A/V manufacturers to give you connectivity for your own player to connect to instead of guessing as to what you want from a player. That's why AppleTV, WDTV, SlingBox, and other products exist. To give you the customized, exact connectivity and video decryption you need.
Audio playback support, for Windows Media 11 and USB for a few standard formats is far more common from those few manufacturers that even offer any USB or Ethernet on their receivers, but is easy enough to determine what it does BEFORE YOU BUY THEIR PRODUCT.
I had to purchase a Sling Catcher to provide a interface from my computer to the unit.
See, you found a solution which has nothing to do with what an A/V receiver would typically do anyway.
This connection does not provide for the digital input.
HUH? If the Sling Catcher has a digital output, then use one of the digital connections on the receiver - you have EIGHT available! If the Sling Catcher doesn't have digital audio out, and you want it, then why did you buy it?
There is only one input for a VHS recorder and no inputs for a cassette recorder.
You know that no company out there actually makes a stand alone VCR anymore right? So, yeah, one input listed as VCR. Why not use the one that says 'DVR' instead?
As for cassette recorder, I'm clearly reading 'AUDIO IN - MD/TAPE' on the back of the receiver. So, what is it that you want?
There is a severe limitation of component inputs.
Four component sources is WAY more than you have, and you should be using HDMI for your sources, not component anyway.
Two VCR,s, 1 DVD, 1 CD player, 1 Tape player, 1 cable box, 1 phonograph player, and a computer interface input and this thing is full.
2 VCRS: VCR input, DVR input
1 DVD - DVD component video input (or better yet, upgrade to Blu-ray and use one of the HDMI inputs)
1 CD player - CD input
1 Tape player - MD/Tape Input
1 Cable Box - Cable/Sat Input (or HDMI)
1 Phonograph - Phono Input
1 Media Extender - BD/HD DVD input
I cannot use my Dish network without disconnecting something.
Plug the Dish into one of the HDMI ports, or an open component port, or one of the remaining open composite video ports - you have MULTIPLE devices left which are open and free for you to use.
For $5500.00, I believe Yamaha should have done a better job addressing these concerns.
I think after spending $5500 you should spend more time reading the manual and ASKING questions instead of spouting off because you end up sounding like a dolt.
You obviously aren't getting much love here for your rant, but hopefully you will spend the time hooking this very nice receiver up properly and perhaps asking a lot more questions before you buy your next component if you have certain things you expect to be able to do.
