Does anyone spend anytime busking anymore or bitching about whats right or wrong? It shouldn't matter what you use, how long you've done it for or whatever reason. If it works, it works.
You all are buskers or were at some point which means you held someones attention with your performance and they put money in your case. That is the magic right there. Surely your game improved from your time on the streets & surely you got a gig out of it or sold a cd. Thats the magic right there. Somedays I've used an amp, some days I haven't. People enjoyed me because I enjoyed my busk. You all need to go for another busk...

BTW My backline changes alot and I invite other artists along for the ride. I constantly use an AER mobile amp, a Roland Streetcube amp, a full HK Audio PA, a Fender Passport PA, and unplugged acoustic Taylor & Cole Clark guitars. They all work well.