why not add sample column in the phrase editor (like instrument column in track editor) where you can program wich sample is played for each row?
I like the idea but would I think having sample numbers would be confusing. Looking a bit too much like instrument numbers 
I’d prefer if phrases instead had the (optional) ability to lock to a specific sample per note column - independently of the keyzone
That would make it really easy to have a visual overview when programming beats, too.
Of course, the downside to this approach would be the limitation we have on the number of columns that can be created (12). Playing a chord with the same sample would become quite tricky then - maybe the sample number approach isn’t so bad after all 
Edit: oh, and I thought that wavestation did sound familiar. You suggested an “enhanced cycle mode” a while back
That has some promise too, depending on whether you want total control or live performance abilities…