For those that think a jam should be perfect and elite should keep in mind how perfect by design the asshole is Oh, I guess they already know about that.
Anyone that can rustle up the courage to go forth with their attemps at music deserve a fair shot. When folks gather by invitation only to an "elite" gathering it is usually a show of who has the longest nose. Jam critics or song cops will always be at these gatherings. Tolerating them can be more challengeing than a new pickers and singers.
I've been to invitation only gatherings and was very impressed to be asked thinking that all my practice and efforts have progressed me to the big leagues. It was fun and really good quality of music making, but the rewards of being in a common song circle or jam is truly a better setting. I usually try and feel for the music and watch progress make it's mark. Some folks improve with leaps and bounds and others will always come to a gathering and fumble with their efforts. They usually don't invest prep time to what they present or share and more often than not it shows. But at an open jam or SC, we better be tolerable to all who participate and most of all give support to their efforts.
When you say elite, I expect that to mean by invitation only. There are all levels of gatherings, I know of several that comprize of two or three in their tight little group. It's a practice session and they sound real good like predictable good. No variety and it's done to perfection, by design.
Mudjack