Gary & Uncle Dave: If you guys re-read my replies, my beef was specifically about the 'performance assist' feature which allows you to play ANY note(s) on the keyboard and appear like you're playing all the right notes (within the scale).

I DON'T equate the other arranger keyboard tools (midi files, auto accomp arranger styles) in this SAME category, as they aren't (typically) used as a tool for deception, but instead, merely to enhance your live 'main event' performance: keyboard playing and/or singing. On the other hand, during the INSTRUMENTAL SOLO, the 'main event' is what is heard during the solo. To fool the audience into thinking you're actually playing the correct notes is wrong to me. Lip syncing & pretend keyboard playing for the sake of entertainment is one thing, but to do this at the expense of musicianship is not only deameaning to keyboard musicians, but further gives the general listening audience the impression that music performance is as easy as turning on a radio or CD player now.

This leads to the depressing possibility, that audiences may NO LONGER appreciate or care about musicianship, or people who actually CAN PLAY the keyboard anymore. I only hope this isn't true. Am I alone here with this perspective or what?

- Scott