I think the untried, timid, uncertain people who hope one day to become better musicians should be given a lot of encouragement and a very small spot until improvement develops. For the brash and bad, sometimes The Hook is the only thing they understand.

I used to do open mike nights at a folk club in LA. The MC chose the order of the acts by having us pick numbers out of a hat. We were all allowed 3 songs/15 minutes. But no second turns if the MC didn't deem a would-be musician worthy of it. He was not particularly kind or tactful about it, just very matter of fact. It was his call.

And lets's face it...most people who love music and want the thrill of performing it KNOW, at least to some extent, how they measure up against the rest of the performers. The brash egomaniacs don't know and don't care...music is not why they are on the stage anyway.

Thanks to all who do this. It must be a largely thankless task, but it provides a wonderful opportunity for real, but untried musicians to get their sea legs. Sounds like you've paid your dues with this, Guest Quandry...maybe a rest would do you good, and save you from total burnout with the music as well as the MC'ing.