Thus proving this business & career field is probably like most others in life.

I think the split that becomes obvious after reading a few posts is that proper presentation takes increasing amounts of technical skill and knowledge and there are some circuits hiring people with decreasing amounts of skill and knowledge.

Those of us that have been around for a while know that there is a big difference in figuring out what is wrong in a monoaural 6LC push-pull amp and an intermittent problem with the digital sound systems of today. The few circuits who hire good people, don't overwork and underpay them, and set certain standards understand this and given decent locations and product will prosper.

Ultimately, the entire industry is based on perception. If the audience perceives a well run theatre and great presentation, then for most purposes, it is. Many circuits are at the point where penny pinching has crossed the line, and their presentation suffers. Others do a great job spending nearly similar amounts. Often the ones doing the very best job are the smaller circuits that are more in touch with the reality of motion picture exhibition, and less in touch with investment bankers.

Not all of us managers are as bad as it looks. Most of us care about film presentation and our customers above all else. It's just that people don't very often post praise about their managers. Projectionists aren't the only one's in the business that do not get credit for all they do.

Reason I'm even tossing this issue around at all is I am currently unemployed, but in a decent enough financial situation that I could make a change to something like this and get by. Would be a case of "I'm not going to my grave without having tried doing this one thing I was REALLY interested in".