Our society constantly changes. Pubs shutting now is a result of social trends that started a long long time ago. (And those were affected by stuff before - first world war - 19th century licensing laws - pick your starting point).

Music will still exist a long time after these minor structural problems are sorted. It just affects us in the short term.

There is always another option (and usually several). And many that we haven't even thought of.

I'll give you an example. I play in a new band that would like a residency somewhere - regular money, a chance to get tight as a band, all that stuff. Where I live there are no obvious places. But somewhere out there will be someone who wants us - or someone who doesn't realise yet that he wants us but it might be a road to salvation that he or she hadn't considered. Life's a bit like that. You either accept the status quo or you don't. (And yes I know I play Sweet Caroline but it was only because I had to)