Yes it does depend a lot on what you do doesn't it. My angle was that I dressed and presented myself as an Eliza Doolittle type. My songs and my costume placed me in the 19th century where I feel I really belong. They also characterized me as a loner. Most people realized I was playing a part and liked it that way - not at all threatening. People like to be able to pigeonhole you. If they can't it bothers them. I am able to do requests and I did - when I was asked, but most people just liked to let me go my own way. I did sing old-fashioned kids' songs for children and their mothers and did old singing-games and dances with them. I enjoyed that for it's own sake and kids like me, but it's worth noting that children love to feed money to buskers.
I found, often, that it's the people who walk past and don't stop who give you money and I never minded a passing trade.
Oh! I miss those days! Don't think my voice could take it now. Joy