Well being a long-term (but recently retired) FE, I was proud to sit on my ass!
It meant everything was going nicely thanks.
Whilst you CAN fly without a Loadmaster, I wouldn't of preference. I've been fortunate enough to fly with some really good ones and on the other hand with Gary Seward who categorically made the worst coffee in the world (his plan always was 'then I won't make very many' - he was right!).
Even on TriStars and DC10s we could ferry without crew in the back - the FE got off his fat ass again and did the doors, but I'd much rather have the company. Especially nice were the car thieves from Liverpool when on Caledonian - great girls . . . but I digress.
Fergi - well done!!