Ok I aint read all the posts, but after some thought I concluded that non-performers can do as they please at sessions which are for participating rather than performing at .

Now a performer on the other hand is a different kettle of fish and must be totally conversant with the material to be performed. The audience would expect this as standard

you dont expect actors to be reading from the script when giving a performance

performers will check out their 'learning' by trying new things at sessions and would probably test themselves and not have words visible, maybe a prompter.

If I dont know it, I wont do it out of respect for the material and intended listener

And for those who fidget with song folders while others are performing you are being rude and distracting'

bye