Elvis...or Michael?

[Alex]

Not that I'm necessarily disagreeing with that point of view, but I'm curious as to why it is.

Is De Niro less of an actor because he's only performing words written for him by someone else?

Conversely, would it have been better if Paul Anka has performed "She's a Lady" rather than Tom Jones or "My Way" instead of Frank Sinatra?

Again, I'm not arguing with the point (I don't have an opinion on much when it comes to music) but I'm find it interested where we draw the lines in preferring a total package versus super specialization (to go to sports is it better to have a fantastic starter good for 7 innings and a fantastic closer good for 2 (not that any pitch two any more) or one pitcher who'll always be out there for the full 9.

Then there's the question of respect versus entertainment. I may have more respect for the person who does a great job singing their own arrangements of their own songs while playing all four instruments needed. But I'll probably be better entertained if you get the best singer, the best songwriter and the best band together (well, I wouldn't, but I'm talking in hypotheticals).