Ha Ha...I wasn't going to respond, but, I believe we should clarify a few things here, at least from my own perspective (and experience).

I suppose that's what it might be in your neck of the woods, but here in Canada, especially the Maritimes, Quebec, and British Columbia, where the arranger markets are strongest, most Tyros owners are retired professional players, or people who played most of lives (many ex-high end Electone users) yet had a day job, and the degree of musicianship is at a level, most likely, higher than your own.

Here in the Maritimes, almost all of my Tyros clients are extremely good (advanced) players, and quite a few are gigging steadily (usually weekends), and definitely are well above average in skills.

And yes, many trade up to the next model...why?

Because, financially they can, for one reason...so it costs John Doe $1000 every time he trades up his old arranger to the latest...over just one year that's about $20 a week...many hobbies cost a lot more than that!

And yes, if you are making your living at arranger playing, the cost may be more of a factor, but, consider that the pro claims a certain portion of equipment costs on his income tax.

I have never played an Audya...actually I've never seen or heard one in person, and I travel quite a bit...not one dealer in my area will carry the product...not sure why, as they do sell the occasional,(and allegedly more pro orientated) Korg PA3X/PA2X. Talking with several SZ Audya users via PM, it appears there are (or have been) reliability issues, and lack of proper support, and thankfully, at Yamaha, that's usually not a problem, and, it certainly makes my job a complete pleasure.

I definitely agree that the concept of the Tyros was a stroke of genius...if only some of that would spread to Roland and some of the other competitors (although Korg has been no slouch lately). I'm a 62 year old, life long pro player (semi-retired), with extensive (and perhaps, expensive ) experience on Piano, Synthesizer, Rhodes, Hammond B-3, high end Electone (HX), and the Tyros (in my case a Tyros4) is absolutely a joy to play, and is totally satisfying in features and sound.

Judging by it's huge success in the the market, and high percentage of advanced players (in my experience), I'd say I am not alone by any stretch of the imagination.

Ian