This discussion about arranger acceptance is interesting on a lot of different levels. One of them is that this question - in and of itself makes arranger users think about the nature of the music and the evolution of sound. Taking this discussion all the way back to the 19th century when virtuosos like the violisnist Paganinni took tremendous creative/iimprovisational liberties inside the performance of an ensemble accompanying him who all played from a WRITTEN score. One could argue the orchestra was canned if you compared them to Paganinni. The operative argument should have been at that time as it should be now - DID you enjoy the performance - not some comment about the level of musicianship,whether you liked the style, the number of people in the band, etc.. those comments all have their place but in the final analysis - music will always be whether or not you enjoyed the experience of the sound and the atmosphere.

To some extent - playing with an arranger is only limited by your skills, musical ideas,the kind of setting you are in, and the quality of your sound in comparison to what people expect. For myself who envisions playing jazz with an arranger much in the same vein as a classical soloist/improvisor might interact with an orchestra - with different styles,tempos,segues,etc. all within the same piece - I believe arrangers offer an opportunity to do so with a tremendous time savings,cost savings, but may have to include an allowance for bringing an audience into a different state of comprehension about how music should or should not be presented. Not everyone will come along, but not everyone would like my music even if played by Oscar Peterson or Bill Evans accompanied by the London Philharmonic.

In the final analysis - music evolves - and arrangers have a place - they will improve - and thank God keyboard players will have an opportunity to share the limelight that has been showered so much on guitars.

regards
Mike H