Walk it Up, Talk it Up

Just arrived back at my laptop after a really cool gig. It was a full house when i arrived at the venue so I was posted at the door listening and catching a glimpse over peoples heads where possible. A couple of guys in the band (who I used to perform with and rate highly as musicians and sound engineers) asked me how the sound was while we were having a beer after the show. I proceeded to tell them my experience as a listener. The topic of FOH desk placement (or complete lack of) and drum mics came up. I asked, "what mics were on the drum kit" the answer was "none" oh, I guess that's why the drum kit had no impact (asides from visually) and sounded like shit... Why not share 2 of those SM57's with the drum kit and have your back up singers share mics? And "how about an 8 channel snake?" so the mixing desk could be positioned in front of the band.... (remembering these guys have access to gear) Now there's always one... oh yes, in every band. Mr ego promptly replied with "that's what we call a walk around" in a wonderfully sarcastic tone. To which, my reply was "Walk it up, Talk it up son". WTF? How can you expect a "walk around" to provide any band with adequate sound management? So you do your "walk around" and head back to the mixer which is located against a side wall onstage BEHIND two 15's on stands blaring away, and proceed to tune the PA? Whilst the no.8 wire spirit is appreciated... We all know what is required for a band to try and manage their FOH sound while performing on stage, but lets face it, you will ALWAYS get a better live sound as a performer if someone who understands "your" sound and how best to use the available equipment to enhance it, operates the desk while you perform.