Do you object to floor singers in clubs, then, Lizzie? They do it because, having learnt their songs, they crave an audience to sing them to, and to feel they are bringing some pleasure to as they do so. Think of this as a sort of Festival of Floor Singers. And no doubt there will be club organisers in the audience, looking for acts to book for payment later on. So think of it as a sort of open audition, likewise.

The food & drink &c argument is not really comparing like with like, you know.

~M~