Gary, the difference between the performance assist feature and the other features you mention is that with 'performance assist', you're actually pressing ANY key(s) to give the audience the false impression that you're actually playing the correct notes on the keyboard. Utilizing the other features (internal styles and midi files) in a supportive role is NOT the same thing, as they generally aren't used to give the audience the impression you're acutally playing 'those' parts.

Though I understand the advantage of performance assist for the home keyboard player (oops, I meant to say: home entertainer) to impress (albeit deceive) their friends, the 'performance assist' feature merely lowers keyboard musicianship to the level of a lip syncing singer. Both are, simply put: outright FRAUD and DECEPTION. If you can't sing . . . then don't. If you can't play a complicated solo on the keyboard then don't. Play a simpler rendition of it instead. If you can't play or sing, but still want to be an entertainer, perhaps consider becoming a stand up comedian instead.

It's challenging enough ALREADY for professional arranger keyboardists to convince some in the audience that we're actually 100% PLAYING the keyboard, and now with the public's growing knowledge of 'performance assist' type features, will only become that much more difficult.

All this does is perpetuate the notion that ANYBODY can be a keyboard star now, and that keyboard musicianship skills are no longer required, just the guts to get up in front of an audience and be a so called entertainer. A real depressing thought for musicians. Anyone else have anything to add?

Scott