What Jed is describing so well is the mindset of the "professional" folksinger (also applies in the craft world where I work). You have to earn so much to live, you need so many gigs, you find your own niches as and when. You are in business. No business, no show.

If someone is trying to make their living (UK) just doing clubs and festivals, good luck and I don't envy you. The established (Carthy, Garbutt) crowd pullers can do it but very few others. Look at Pete Coe or Bob Pegg and how they have made their livings over the years. A bit of club work, some festivals, a bursary for this or that etc. That is the reality of being in the folk business.

Is Hamish stealing a gig? Don't think so, if he wasn't there would the club have bookes a pro? Doubt it. So he's helped either himself as a step along the way, or someone else to get a gig by keeping the club going.

All the best

Steve