All these complaints are to do with bad playing, and could be said about any instrument played badly. It is unfortunately true that a bad percussionist can cause more disruption to a session than most other instruments. I'm not defending bad playing.

However, percussion doesn't have to be loud or intrusive. It should follow the tune, not lead it. It can pick out and highlight subtleties in the rhythm, and add another tone colour to the sound. It can make just as valid a contribution to the overall sound as any other instrument.

I agree with FloraG - only one at a time. Unfortunately, when the thumpers start up the good players often pack up, because they know they cannot play effectively or contribute to the music.

I can fully understand Steve's railings against bad percussion players, and it is regrettably true that bad percussion players seem to be ubiquitious.    However to play with a good percussionist is a delight.