"In Defence (Attack) of Umpires of GM." Topic

Love em / hate em -- Make the game go smoothly / Only cause problems -- Games go better with them / Games should be written to make do without them -- absolutely necessary / a festering boil on the buttocks of humanity.

After recently playing sodapops Forgotten king I would sit in the corner for a gm , umpire or Chibi consul overlord.
The D&D games play okay without a GM ,but if the right person takes on the umpires role and controls the story and/or bad guys the games can be much more enjoyable.

in our group usually only one person knows the rules well enough so they by default become the GM

If it's only to explain the rules – no benefit, except perhaps for a first game.

If it's to enhance and drive the scenario – good!

We have a standing agreement that the host is plumpire.

Great way to shoehorn an odd player into a scenario game.

GM/Umpires need no defence.

Never argue with the narrator.
- George of the Jungle

Moderators are important for ensuring the completion of a big game in a convention setting. Umpires are always important during a tournament.