Oh absolutely Rik...there definitely are pros and cons to running a smaller crew. I understand your point totally...and I would probably agree that an 18 day straight shoot might be more difficult if everyone had to multitask...
But really it depends on the film. I don't get tired of multitasking at all, at least not yet. I'm such a film geek I can perform in my scenes and grab the boom for the next scene without skipping a beat. I love it...I may be an exception because I'm not burnt on film making yet, or I'm a big film geek...but I think as long as everyone is totally passionate, skilled and friendly...you can easily get away with multi-hat positions.
I think sometimes, what I've seen anyhow, is indie film makers try to get so into 'being legit' that they have way too many people on set. Quite frankly I think it can sometimes create more chaos than being a benefit. I mean, why do you need a lighting designer with an Arri set and a DP with an Arri set, and a grip with three peppers and a 1K all waiting to put up lights? For one thing, 90% of indie sets I've worked on only set up 3 or 4 lights at a time...why there are over a dozen different 1ks and peppers I'll never know. It just takes up space. And to have 4 people working on setting up lights...makes no sense to me. We have one or two people doing it with 5 lights total, and we get by just fine (and look good).
Of course quality may be an issue. I wouldn't recommend people multi-task if they don't know what they are doing. If your actors don't know how to handle a boom, or don't know about mic placement and framing, either teach them or get a boom op. The beauty of a smaller crew is only really worth it if everyone knows each others jobs.
Do you know what I mean? I think having too many people and too much equipment can hinder a production and not help it.
Also, to be the devil's advocate...the term 'too many chefs in the kitchen' has come up on several indie sets I've worked on...lol.
Anyway. I'm just rambling. I totally agree that having a quality crew designated to do their job can be a good thing...I'm just saying that sometimes people are standing around doing nothing...and that's where a multi-hat production can get it done just as fast and just as well with less chaos.
Thanks for listening.