Ian,
discussions about the "trade" are common on Fora like the Keyboard Corner (at Musicplayer.com), where people talk about reharmonizations, chord substitutions, etc
and I have to admit that the level of the discussion is most of times WAY above my head, but at least I am stimulated to learn something new...

Anyway, even on Fora whose members are 95% amateurs, it's very common to exchange ideas about the best style to use for a specific song, and this is the "amateurial equivalent" of the discussion that goes on at Keyboard Corner.
Here at SZ, on the other hand, the discussion is focused mainly on the gear we use, but I have to say that unfortunately almost 80% of the opinions given are preconceived and this makes almost useless whatever advice one could receive.

We all know that there is not a thing like a perfect keyboard and so the most sensible thing to say, when giving advice, would be: "My keyboard is good at doing this, but unfortunately is lackind under this other respect".
Talking continuously about the superiority of a brand and denying what other brands can offer is pointless and also useless for the novices that come here seeking advice.
Unfortunately, this behavior has almost become a conditioned reflex, so everytime the forumite "X" writes "I am 100% happy with my Tyros 2" the forumite "Y" replies that the Tyros 2 is a plastic toy and real professionals have only one choice: a Roland G-something.
At that point the forumite X feels offended in his honour and replies something in a bitter tone and the discussion becomes quickly heated.

...Ah, I almost forget that, in the meantime, another forumite keeps repeating in the background that the keyboard you play has no relevance, because what the audience really wants is to be entertained and -to that effect- you could as well play a kazoo or do some kind of funny dance.

Does all this ring a few bells?

Now you all tell me: why should anyone take this Forum seriously?

[This message has been edited by Dreamer (edited 08-24-2007).]