[Ducky]

It's funny how, yes, a Digi OO2 and OO2R are only 18 max inputs with 32 voicable tracks. Now we're gonna get 48 track up to 96 voices in stereo pairs.
...but alas, yes, we can still only input 18 mono inputs max.

Yep, you're going to be running two computers to do this OR your going to have to submix some of your inputs (which might be the simpler and cheaper solution).

Going straight into a Masterlink, however??? You lost me there. I use a masterlink to burn CD's but it gets its signal from the OO2 either as a digital or analog pair. If I'm going to go through the trouble of capturing better than 18 inputs, I sure want to keep them separate till the mix and mastering is done. Maybe as a reference take I'd go into the masterlink live ...but that would be through dedicated pair of room mics completely outside of PT.