I'm with you on that point !
I just think you were a little defensive about the arranger aspect, which is a huge compromise, no matter how you use it.

You know I'm a fan of technology, but a bigger fan of heart and soul ( NOT the song ). The important thing is that we convey a message to the audience. The tools are here to help us get the message accross.

Scott, you're a dedicated performer and I know you take your craft seriously. I just think sometimes you forget that the arranger is at least 1/2 the act. The bass and drums are so much more important than any piano part ever will be in a dance or show situation. Unless it's a concert venue, and then, I doubt that an arranger would even be used.

I've come to view midi files as a more legitimate "means to an end" than arranger styles. They please the corwd more and leave room for me to be the piano/guitar player....same as if I was in a real band.
The styles get old fast, but the original sequence of a popular song will always be accepted by thge masses.