Gerry
I understand what you are saying and no doubt in your circumstances I would do the same.
However for us, if it ain't broke don't fix it. Becuase I do the reservations I know the people and so have a close eye on the situation.
We pay a base guarantee and it is always a reasonable figure agreed by the performer, and on the night I pay 80% of the door whichever is greater.
We don't normally get people turning up on the door, without reserving.
Les