IMHO excelence in performance is not necessary. Performance is necessary. Currently the problem is not enough performance and not enough playing by people overall. Over professionalization has played a role in bringing this about. Yes - you do have to spend time to get really good. but do you have to be really good? I dont think so. Nice but not essential.If you are a good listener and knoweledgable in the genre you will be able to benefit from any rendition of a tune. Take a look at my pages and some very good quotes on the topic.
It is better to have a tune played poorly than none at all.
Conrad