We don't see "Icewolfs" palaces on tour, the SM is generally in prompt corner with a limited view and at best a single video monitor, now pulling quotes out of context does little to further an argument, the suggestion that I am saying everyone should do their own thing is preposterous, however if a board operator working for me had missed a lamp blowing while playing a game and left an actor in the dark when he could easily have filled in with another
circuit, would certainly get a 'go' from me, permanently.
If I couldn't get an operator to take an interest in doing the job right I might as well replace him with a voice recognition device and save the wages.
Students reading this, think for yourselves, if you knowingly stuff up a show when a little common sense could avoid it, most reasonable SM's and directors will appreciate a little intelligent initiative.
As a rule you should always do as the SM says, and rules are made to be broken when the need arises.