I believe we have been down this road before - not that it isn't interesting - but as I recall I think the biggest problem voiced by most of the players here - aside from the $$$ issues - is finding good players who are reliable, sober, willing to work at their craft, and appreciative of the other band members. And even though the players may play better than an arranger, many are not willing to put up with the grief ...
I, for one, had a GREAT 26 years with the guys in the band in NY ... I KNOW I could never have that again ...