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hi Marc,

thanks for your kind words about qtractor.

re. the MIDI controller issues, you should know that:

1. for all LV2 plugin types, which Calf are one example, assigning a MIDI controllers to any of their parameters (eg. own GUI knobs) is not quite permitted by the LV2 specification--most probably that is exactly why the Calf implementation has its function disabled (grayed-out rclick menu). iow. the binding of MIDI controllers to any LV2 plugin input control ports should be, must be, a LV2 host's initiative and responsibility. that's why you're left to:
2. for any plugin type supported by qtractor, which LV2 is just one major example, assigning a MIDI controller to any of the exposed parameters is possible through the generic plugin properties dialog or window aka. generic stock GUI, there you find this "MIDI Controller..." option by clicking the RMB/context-menu over one and each of the parameter value entry widgets (sliders, check-boxes, etc.).

now, this one last option, which i think you already confirmed, is what you should exercise, taking note that the MIDI input may not be the same as the performance one: it reads from an alternate MIDI control input port or bus if you opted in to be dedicated (see menu View/Options.../MIDI/Control)--make sure you have your physical MIDI controller connection done alright at this point.

also remember that this MIDI controller assignment lives as for the current session only.

otoh. it might also happen that you're suffering from a dead old inter-operability issue that haunts qtractor since ever, especially if you're using a Gtk+ based environment (gnome, xfce, etc.) and some nasty dirty lurking conflicts arise when the DE's native file requester dialogs are summoned under a Qt application.

the later issue is infamous to make MIDI control event input to stop working now and then and completely until you restart the program and/or session. however there are means to solve or mitigate it: try one or both of the following options:

• View/Options.../Display/Options/Use desktop environment native dialogs: OFF.
• View/Options.../Display/Custom/Style theme: choose any but "Gtk+"... "Plastique" (qt4) or "Fusion" (qt5) are favorites here ;)

hth.
cheers