Getting away from the personal abuse:

1. The reference in the OP to "list" suggests that she is looking for spots at clubs with a staged format rather than singarounds/song circles. As a staged format is normally targeted at paying customers it is perfectly reasonable to exclude prospective floor singers who fail to reach even the low levels of ability expected at most clubs. Some organisers will favour their friends but more often it is simply a case of knowing what the performance will be like and where it will fit best in the evening.

2. The side discussion about phoning for floor spots. This is a sensible precaution if visiting a new club on a guest night. There are a handful of clubs that will book support acts and a few do insist on pre booking spots.

3. If your material doesn't fit with the established artistic profile of the club then, regardless of ability, you won't be as welcome as a performer whose material does.

4. If you piss off the organisers and residents then start again somewhere else.