And the huge number of buskers who insist on the most heavily trafficked routes contribute hugely to the congestion problem. I say, let's rope off a big chunk of the grass, reserved for buskers. Those without buttons of any sort could go there contribute to the busker of their choice, and folks who are trying to get somewhere maybe could.

"Buskers do offer something, their entertainment. I get the feeling by your post, even though you say (and believe me, it's appreciated) that you don't actually regard any of the performances by the entertainers and musicians there as having any real value. Perhaps this is because they've all offered these services for free, and the popular perception seems to be that anything offered for free has no inherent value.

A very good friend once told me, when you ask nothing for your services folks will treat you like you're worth nothing, and that what you charge for your services will determine how you are treated. I've seen this happen over and over again at many different monetary levels."