Diki, as an ex-pat myself (no, not a displaced Irishman :-)) I agree with your points, but how is North America ever going to wake up to the joys of arranger playing if the major manufacturers don't get out there and promote the hell out of it?

Yes, this is more of a 'consumer society'; all the more reason for the makers to get out there and create a 'need'. Also, yes the distances are greater in general, but there are some pretty hefty market areas where there is enough disposable income that could be directed to our favourite pastime. I mean, George Kaye seems to have a fairly healthy business, so why not in other metro areas?