Interseting article. I think he made some good valid points as well. Is it all becoming "too easy now". With functions that will make the most novice player sound like a pro, never hitting a wrong note and the board doing the work I think truly "hurts" the real pros out there.

The question of "backings" is also a good one too. I'll say IMO there's nothing wrong with backing, but people can often become "too reliant" on them. It makes you wonder how many here would be utterly lost if someone turned the auto accomp feature off on them?

That's why I've always said "keep to the basics" turn the arranger off here and there, and actually "compose" a song. Don't use any preset styles, do it yourself. That's just my opinion though. I hear some good demos on this forum, but often I find those demos showcase more of the keyboard than the player.