I think Bill is 100% spot on. To point out it's NON-arranger features as justification for pro use misses the point. He DID acknowledge it's potential value as a 'sketch pad' or for OMB use, but aside from that and 'home' use, there would be little reason, musically or economically, for a 'pro' to choose an arranger over a conventional synth/workstation. Based upon who buys them, at least in the American market, I'd say this analysis is pretty much indisputable. To say otherwise is just being unrealistic and/or defensive about something we PERSONALLY like and use. What we perceive as a stigma by other musicians may in fact just be a well-thought out decision by a professional musician based upon their needs and economic considerations.

I think the whole concept of auto-accompaniment, from 'easy-play' organs to modern Arranger keyboards, was to help the less-accomplished musician improve their performance. The best way to do that is to provide 'professional' accompaniment with an 'amateur' skill level. As with anything, the more skilled the player, the better the performance, whether using an arranger keyboard or an acoustic piano. And no, I don't 'hate' arranger keyboards (I have three of them). I don't think Bill does either. Just pointing out the facts.

chas