Whereas, playing with players SO bad, a soulless machine is an acceptable alternative is quite telling..!

Let's put it this way... so far, I have never heard anything that remotely impressed me from those that are the first in line to slam other musicians and claim that playing with an arranger is 'better'. A trend, perhaps? The worse you play, the more you want to blame other players for it?

Big name or no name, if you have had trouble playing with competent musicians, step up YOUR game, don't blame those still willing to play with you...