The real distinction for me is not SMF or Arranger (style) playing but rather MUSICIAN or ENTERTAINER. Of course it is possible to be both as many on this board are. For ME, if you can step away from the Arranger keyboard and move over to the Steinway in the corner and do a complete set (including accompaning any drunk that walks up to the mike.....in any key), then you're a MUSICIAN, otherwise you're an entertainer. Hey, all entertainers, even the good ones, aren't musicians, just as all musicians aren't entertainers. It is possible, of course, to be both. Depends on your personal goals. Like Roel, I too would find it very 'unsatisfying' (as a musician) playing over a SMF. I will concede that for OMB's, arrangers serve a good function though I would never personally PAY to see anything other than live music (I'm not a big fan of singers).
JMTCW.


chas