Clif,
The 5th degree of the scale is called "Dominant" for a reason. The interval is very strong to the Western ear and creates a "waveless" powerfull tone when combines with the tonic(root).
Piano tuners often use 5ths to tune a piano. They are clear, easy to hear and cycle back to the starting note......eventually.
ie: C - G - D - A - E - B - F# - C# - G# - D# - A# - E# - B#(C again!)
The tonality is determined by the third more than anything, and then the "COLOR" of the chord is enhanced by the 7th, and any other intervals used.
I understand Scott's method, although I nevr use it - you see I AM the bass player most of the time, so the root is my friend. My left hand playes better bass lines than many guys I know with both hands. It's my second priority in my sound.(first is vocals-ALWAYS)
what ever your "bag" is..... there is an arranger that will compliment your playing style. Find the one that fits....and use it! It's silly to waste time wishing that any one manufacturer will cater to your specific needs, so go where the needs are already addressed. I gave up a long time ago on Rhodes making a 30lb keyboard that was a "real" Rhodes, so now I just live with the limitations that exisis inside the ROM of whatever I'm playing. Life is choices - don't miss out just because there are so many of them.