Respect is necessary, that is not always the same as total silence but respect is not disrupting somebody elses performance.
Deliberate disruption of someone else performance is disrespectful,folk clubs have rules which are about respect for performers, working mens clubs are different.
To argue that respect has to be earned is a false argument because performers have to be given a chance to perform without disruption, Will Fly gave an example of how Carthys gig was disrupted.
Jim, you still havent answered how you would like it if it happened to you, next time your down at Elsies in a pub, how would you like it if I came in with 10 of people and we all started playing electronic music on a smart phone right next to you, while you were trying to sing "MOVING DAY".
Even in pub gigs there has to be a certain anmount of order.
RESPECT IS NECESSARY, imo for music to thrive, if some drunken fool comes up to you on new years eve and starts taking your accordion off you is that ok?