Cascading CPLDs on different PCBs

Before you get too far along on the path of using CPLDs for each of your shift-registers, have you considered using actual shift-registers?

You could use a single CPLD to access multiple banks of shift-registers. Rather than cascading CPLD boards, you cascade the boards containing shift-registers.

I like using CPLDs (since you can add features), but if you're worried about cost, perhaps using a CPLD to interface to shift-registers should be considered.

Cheers,

Dave