Jack, I'm not suggesting that all singers should aim to become paid professionals. I'm saying they should aspire to the highest standards, even if they fall short. Most professionals, if they are to earn a living, have achieved those standards (I agree there are a few who make you wonder how they do earn a living, but I've never come across any with the limited repertoire you describe). You've sort of made my point by pointing out that a great many amateurs do achieve the highest standards.

What I am trying to say is that anyone who puts themselves forward to sing in public should strive to do that to the very best of their ability. At the very least that means taking the trouble to learn the song, of which memorising the words is simply a part.

What really pisses me off is when someone gets up, with folder and music stand, and says "Here's a song I learned this afternoon" (or worse, "Here's a song I wrote this afternoon") when they're clearly not ready to perform it out in public.