K-Lo,
Once again, your response is right-on. ew2484 also correctly identifies the problems created by no reaction from the dealer.
It's always a good thing when we agree. The biggest problem, and cause, of so many of the situations that are discussed on the forum, are compounded by poor reaction from dealers. Take a look back, and you will see that the great majority of the hundreds of topics that affected the overall success of your tournament could have been prevented, or resolved, by a competent dealer.
The skills of a poker dealer go far beyond the mechanics of the shuffle and pitch. The best dealers are alert, and quick to react to any out of turn, or unclear action. They are in control of the players, and the game.
I am concerned that too much responsibility is being taken away from poker dealers. Poorly trained and inexperienced dealers is a poor excuse to reduce, or limit the duties of dealers that do it right. I would prefer that we take more time, to better train them.
Years ago there used to be a commercial for Maytag, (a major appliance company that manufactured washers and dryers), The scene was a repair man, seated with his feet on a stool and his hands folded behind his head. Their product was so good, that he never got any calls for repair. Now wouldn't that be nice for so many of our supervisors and floor persons. How would you like a little extra time to sip your coffee or chat with the cocktail waitress a little longer, instead of running from table to table every two minutes responding to; "floor...floor to table 34....Oh floor!