Tam. This thread was not aimed at you but at professional performers. Why take it so personally?

Everybody has a right to their own opinion. If it does not agree with yours that does not mean that they are having a go at you or that their opinion is any less valid. It just means that they have a different point of view on the matter. They are as entitled to that as you are.

I don't see anyone accusing you or making fun of you over this issue. Probably no-one really gives a toss whether or not you use a songbook.

There appears to be a feeling that paid performers who use cribs or don't vary their perfomances at all are not giving good value. That is their opinion and I think that you are wrong in reacting the way you are to that.