You're quite welcome Mike, and yes, I think that you are on the right track with how the arranger boards can work for you. I can do everything I described on either the PA80 or the 2000, so after that it comes down to the the styles themselves ( I like both but I guess I prefer the PA80s overall ), ease of use ( 2000 has the edge here ), and last but for me most important the sounds, which are good on both, but for my ears a bit better and with more editability on the PA80 ( I know ..sounds are subjective ) .
Of course editability is more important to me when making synth type sounds or trying to alter a guitar patch to make it sound more realistic.

I believe Scott Yee, who also plays jazz, does a good bit of writing work with his arrangers and he too recently purchased the 2000. It will be interesting to see how he measures it against his Technics boards ( great boards from what I've seen of them, I had one yrs ago..so many yrs I can't remember the model # any more..lol ), for the task of writing or composing with the 2000.

I know very little of the GEM or Solton series, so others might be more qualified to comment on them. Solton styles, even converted for korg or Yamaha boards are cool though.

If I had to rely solely on the arrangers Mike, I guess I could still write in the styles I prefer, but having them with the additional software I mentioned, plus a few other programs, really helps to make it work for me. I use the PA80 more as one would use a synth or workstation than an arranger at times, but it is up to the task. A lot of the so called "pro" guys don't always agree on this, but for me one of the best features is having the speakers attached right to the board itself. Good Luck Mike,

AJ