I know the feeling, but I doubt you'll be missed..... You got a choice... play against the TV, or not play at all...

I'm fortunate. Where I do most of my playing, the OWNER will come in and turn the TV off while I'm setting up. If someone asks nicely, I'll leave it on with the sound muted while I play. If someone tries to turn it up over me, I have more volume and can win that battle easily, until the owner/staff goes over and turns the TV off. The offending patron is most often told to leave as well.

A pub is first and foremost there to sell beer.... If your music attracts more beer attention than The Game, the owner will be on your side.... If it doesn't, then you're S.O.L.....

"people turning their backs on real, live music"
People cannot be faulted for picking one form of entertainment over another. One mans tune is another mans din. That you don't agree with their choice is immaterial.