"Sub-$1000 arrangers are giving it a run for it's money (guarantee the audience don't care!), and the additional $2000+ I'd save goes a long way!"

Diki, no offense, but what world do you live in?
which $1000 arranger is this you are talking about?

the audience don't care?
what audience are you playing for?
perhaps if you are referring to nursing home gig? (no offense to those senior citizens in one)

my audience, mostly weddings, who pay top $$, expect the very BEST, and that included music and overall sound,
and no $1,000 will give that to them, how do I know?
cuz i've played those $1,000 arrangers you may be referring to.

bottom line: you get what you pay for, and nothing more...