Actually, I am STILL trying to point out that these 'under the hood' things that I've described are NOT 'pro' features. And, in fact, while the MS beavers furiously away to make the SOUND better in arrangers (a worthy enough goal), it's ARRANGER technology is no more sophisticated than a Casio (live loops aside).

It is actually the big bad three, for all your purported claim of dumb and dumber, that ARE introducing these new technologies... Guitar Mode on Korg (and to a lesser extent, Roland), Adaptive Chord Voicing on Roland's, SA voice technology from Yamaha. All of these use sophisticated technology that didn't exist three or four years ago, but to the user, it is transparent. Unless you want to edit it extensively (on the whole, unnecessary, IMO), it adds no more complication to selecting a style and playing as there ever was.

THAT is the ideal arranger technology... All you EVER do is play chords, and comp and solo with the RH (or both in Piano Mode). All these enhancements happen out of sight and mind, but simply add up to a more enjoyable, responsive musical experience. And THAT can be appreciated by any level of player, from the one finger wannabe's to the full-on pro.

Don't sell the majors short, or ourselves! If we really COULDN'T tell the difference, or cared that little, we WOULD still be playing Thomas's and Elka's...