I don’t know about others. All I know is that I bought my first arranger after being exposed them somewhere. Don’t recall exactly. But, it was some years ago. Some of the analyses here is too deep for me, although interesting reading. I don’t worry about the historical, social, economic relationship of arrangers to other instruments, music in general, or whatever. I play my little gigs and hope that the clients are satisfied with the product. So far, so good. That’s the issue for me---and, to get paid. I don’t get uptight about the need to prove anything or make some kind musical statement to anyone. Most of my patrons could care less (probably) about the past or future of arrangers. They just want to have a good time at the party, or whatever the occasion.