I haven't read every single post, so, sorry if I say something stupid!
I've read quite a few comments saying "you can't use an ERB in a band context" "people only use them for tapping/showing off" "you don't see an ERB at your local open mic night" etc. Well, I play a 6 string, (I don't know if that's counted as an ERB or not) and I take it to open mic nights with my guitarist. I like to play a lot of chords, which often involve the high C, and I like to play a lot of low groovey bass lines, which often involve the low B. The band i'm in is a 3 peice, and I use lots of effects, a bi-amp rig, and my extended range, to help fill out the sound. I didn't get a 6 string so that i'd have to use my left hand less either. Quite often i'm on the High C at the 24th fret. I still think i'm a bassist though.
If anyone's interested, there's a new song (fake smiles in the photograph)on my band's myspace (myspace.com/nologorock) where i'm playing 5 string bar chords in the chorus (not impressive, but effective use of ERB).