yeah, generally speaking, if 5+ are needed, something is wrong.
Uh, how about this...
1. Noise Gate
2. Wagner VST amp sim
3. Impulse plugin
4. EQ
5. Compressor
Oh wait, now I have no room to automate...
6. My favorite chorus
7. My favorite flanger
8. Reverb
9. Delay
I know I could bus those last effects but I like to ultimately print to relieve CPU power.
Yes, most tracks only require a couple of plugs, but some need a lot more. Again, you would think a professional program would present little limitations that impede your creativity.
And the worst thing I was at the studio I work, in the middle of a vocal recording session, the guys went to grab lunch, and I was checking the net, if it was louder I would have to record the rest of the day with a fuckin´threshold shift.