If I print the active_preset_data of an instrument device that has a target instrument set, that active preset data will not contain the value. On the other hand, if I use “Copy Settings” in the context menu of the device, the xml will contain.
Please make also available in the LUA accessible active_preset_data, so I can improve/simplify GUI Automation Recorder heavily. Because of this limitation, I cannot detect already existing automation devices… 
So sad!