The DJ is at least an honest kinda' thing. Most play what is expected and have selections geared to your party. To some degree they have professionalism and expertise in whatever type of music you are asking for. I am fully understanding of your point though and would prefer live anytime, providing they live up to their billing. There is something else that I really do hate though.

In recent years we have run across a completely AWFUL combination of DJ/Live that embodies the absolute WORST of both.......the Karaoke Player. Last year we were at a party for a friend's retirement and they had booked this guy who played guitar badly and sang cornily to a Karaoke background. It was completely hideous.......just no other word for it.

Spaw