As btweengigs said...." A few years ago I was recruited to play in a 7 piece, 60s-80's rock band for 6 months. The band consisted of lead guitar, rhythm guitar, bass, drums, two non-playing vocalists and me playing an arranger. My role was to be any other instrument they needed. Strings, horns, piano, organ, etc. Never played a style or rhythm. It was fun for the better part of the 6 months, but was glad to get back to being a single. In short re: Chas's question....the arranger was perfect for the job. Nothing else required."
Eddie

I think like this...... as a musician, you use your instrument to it's limits ( for me) , and sometimes just bare bones. With an arranger just like a syth, know what it can and can't do and go from there. There is one limitation on an arranger, I would like to see is more DAW's being able to be accessed by arrangers directly; like a synth can. This is not needed on the keyboard per se, but on the software side. I think only then will so called "Pros" acknowledge the arranger as a worthy contender for the marketplace/stage etc.

The preconceived idea that the TOTL arranger is still a toy out there, is a burden we all carry ( or not); but it's their problem not ours.
I can play ( without auto accomp.) any style from classical to jazz to reggae to pop to gospel etc. just using the piano like most of you, I am guessing. But unfortunately, people say no 88 keys or it's not a real synth etc etc BS. Closed/ narrow minded people that still label it in the 30 years ago box.

Allan