The dividing line between Polite and Pushy is quite narrow in some places ! I recall when I spotted an American singer in my club who HAD asked politely if there were spaces and was told the list was full ! Gave her MY spot - Not JUST a singer from a long way off , a PRO on a night off AND a better singer than me - AND prettier !!
Just happened that I knew who she was , and the guy on the door just thought 'Another floor singer' !
We always tried to get visitors on though , and I regularly get stood down on guest Nights at Maidenhead when we get an influx on 'Good' guest nights !
Its a bugger when you turn up to show your wares and get ignored though