I know of a couple of solo's using arrangers. One is the highest paid around here at about $400/night 3 nights a week (his choice) as many weeks a year as he wants to work. I think he's pulling in around 70K a year or more with 4 days off a week. (I make 400 - 700 $ for a party/banquet.. usually 500... Many DJ's are getting more. I try to get 200/weekday 250/weekend night at clubs and restaurants..regular work.)
His show is much more than just an arranger though and actually he's the least "musician" of all the solo's around here. He uses comedy and jokes and somehow works everyone into the show (remembers all their names) and has a huge following. I KNOW it helps that he's from Ireland and has the brogue to prove it. That alone will keep you working in almost any major city in North America if you utilize the support. It's NOT a knock at all just a fact that, on the whole, the Irish are clannish and will support someone from their "old country" much more than they would someone from just around the town. (I'm actually half Irish myself [of decent]also English, Scot, Sicilian, French, German, but ... really 100% American!)
I plan on joining the arranger croud. I will use it only as a tool ... to add to my show. Hell I also use a kazoo to add to my show. I and the other guy I mentioned also play the guitar. In my case a midi guitar as well as an acoustic.
I know I'm throwing more into this stew than I needed to but to sum it up...
I'm past the point of caring who thinks I'm just pushing buttons or twisting dials or whatever. MANY people actually believe I'm lip-syncing and that's anoying but screw them. (I mean... if you really sound bad or suck... yeah, it's you alright. But if you really sound good.. no, it must be fake!! What a stupid Catch-22!) I won't even mention the "just wooden acoustic" purists here... ooops... I did!
You have to look past these people and play for the ones who really do know whats going on. They make it worthwhile. But also, truely, to rely on the audience for any kind of high or reward is a trap. Some of my friends had to quit solo work and go back to bands 'cause they couldn't stand the apathy and lack of recognition they got as a solo.
I do what I do now... because it's what I do best. I do my best each night... for ME! I'll use a keyboard, a guitar, an arranger, a harmonica, a kazoo to get the job done. The job is to entertain your audience the best you can. I do the best I can and when the nights over ... it's over. See you tomorrow... you've been great... don't forget the waitress and bartender.. and the BAND! Goodnight!