Once again Birdseye, I have to point something out to you. The percentage only kicks in when the organiser has taken out all the costs of the gig ie PA if one is hired, room hire etc. Therefore when we leave the 20% if we've broken the % deal, it is ALL profit.
What is galling is that sometimes a "big" name group or artist will not agree a fair basic against a %, will demand a high guarantee that is not covered by the door charge, and waltz of with the 20% the more accomodating artist has left.
But that's life as George says. Nothing is perfect. I hope this thread has enabled you and others to see that there is always another side to things.