I really appreciate you sharing your experience, Don, and I must admit I hadn't thought of the benefits of the whole band being wired for sound. Wish we hadn't bought those expensive monitors now! It is affirming to hear that, on this occasion, chucking a shedload of money at the problem was the answer.

I suppose what I feel is that I don't enjoy my own performance because I can't hear it, so if what is coming out of the main speakers is beautiful music, I'm completely unaware of it, and therefore unfulfilled as a performer. It probably isn't beautiful, but at least with ear monitors I'll know, and be able to contribute more fruitfully to instrument/voice settings in the sound mix, so your post affirms that if I want to really sort the problem out, I have to stump up for the right gear.