Mea culpa, I think my prejudice boils down to two words - packaging and design. I'm sure if the Z5500 was a neat 2 or 3-piece tolex-covered package sold in music stores, I would be more apt to try it and use it.

And again, let's remind ourselves we're talking about smaller venues, not overcrowded banquet rooms with hundreds of people. I don't think I can buy into it, but I see the value others may find in it.