If you knew the answer, why the question, pasadoble? And honestly, if that is the ONLY difference you see between live and arranger...

Would a recording of you playing your parts be an adequate substitution for YOU? I sincerely doubt you think that, but somehow, you feel it about the OTHER musicians you played with... Not exactly a ringing endorsement. You have to learn that the other musicians (and the drummer ) have skills and abilities just as important as yours, and learn to appreciate what they do, rather than just say they are replaceable with an arranger... with no apparent difference. I'm sorry, but that's the way I feel. There is often an apparent disdain for any musician other than the keyboard player on this forum. We should remember that even the best arrangers struggle to sound realistic (and mostly fail), compared to the real thing....
-------------------------------------------------

Sorry, chas... I know it's running over little old ladies, but really...

I know YOU at least understand the difference between live and arranger. They are two totally different musical experiences. I certainly don't sit up at night and worry if it is 'cheating'. But I also don't try to kid myself that they are the same, either!

Arranger playing is NOT cheating. But it isn't playing 'live' either.

That's all. Nice and simple. Now can we stop beating this one to death? I've got a pedestrian crossing to monitor...