Dont think I'll bother after this.

Countess Richard!
I live in the UK where the minimum wage is approx. £5/hr depending on age/hrs of works & other variables. Whichever country you live in is paying quite well if the minimum wage (taking Captains figures in the last post)is £75/hr (2hrs at £150).Wish I was in your Union.
I realise this doesn't take in gear, travelling, learning etc. but neither does any other trade.

You not only insult individuals but whole sections of the folk community. Just because you dont like a way of life dont insult those who enjoy it.

Captain - I regularly perform in a club which recently 'employed' you (booked you as guest and a great night it was too). This club has floor singers 3 weeks and a guest night on the 4th. Everyone puts into the club funds, buys raffle tickets etc. and on a guest night the door fee is raised SLIGHTLY. Thus the guest gets his/her fee and nobody has to dig deep now and again for an act some will not want to see. Thus, a regular attendance figure is practically guaranteed.
This club has been running for nearly 40yrs so the organiser must have a fair idea of how to balance fees. I agree with you that it is better to sing to 100 than a 'select' 10 when the fee is the same.