Use it, but don't use it as a crutch. I see it all the time...people using tracks or backgrounds of some kind who couldn't work any other way.

My arrangers are paying for themselves big-time as tools to to film roughs.

This year, I've use an arranger on a "live" paying job twice, and I work 5 or more jobs a week.

Gary mentioned he would not like a jazz guitar guy 4 straight hours. What really pisses me off is an acoustic "three chorder" with a capo. Talk about boring!

The ideal place to be is to be capable for playing the right combination of material and using the right kind of instrumentation to do a professional job.

Lack of ability is certainly the thing that limits variety and competence.

Russ