Mark, the L1 Compact was never intended to large crowds. it works very, very well for groups up to 100 people and provides a full rage of sounds, including excellent mid range and low end, depending upon how the Global EQ of your keyboard is adjusted.
I have used the Bose L1 PAS system for very large, noisy crowds at outdoor venues and performed a lot of rock songs. The PAS System punches out 1,100-watts and has a 10-inch, long throw subwoofer and 24 speakers in the column. It also has a remote control with a three band EQ, plus a programmable EQ system that provides about 65 EQ settings for all environments.
The drawbacks with conventional sound systems are numerous, including horrible falloff, lack of horizontal dispersion, feedback and distortion at higher volumes.
As for not being able to hear what you are playing, the only way that could happen with the Bose is if the speakers were placed in front of you and not behind you as per the user manual. I have owned dozens of monster, conventional, sound systems, all of which required a monitor for the players. Never needed a monitor with the Bose - I heard the exact same volume the audience heard.
Good luck,
Gary