Seems to me like there is some confusing information going on here. Firstly it ought to be clear in the schpeil on the website that everyone's request for a floor spot would be considered if booked in advance, if the organisers think the individual doesn't fit the bill (for whatever reason) then they may decline on the pretext of having enough performers. Secondly, resident performers are the mainstay of all clubs, the more one has, generally speaking, the more successfull that club will be, so, it is important to satisfy their need to perform. (by the way, I don't hold that all residents are not egotistical but that is another issue). Possibly the true measure of a "club" is how altruistic the residents would be if one or more were prepared to stand down in favour of a surprise guest who they deemed good enough. On the other hand performers should not be so precious either, I recently saw El Greko travel zillions of miles to do a three song floor spot, just like every one else except the residents who cut there's down to two to accomodate the extra guests. Lastly, folk is a "broad church" but within that there are people with narrower interests, for someone who likes a regular night out then who is performing matters, so it shouldn't come as any shock that some clubs reflect that narrower interest whatever that might be. My personal interests are varied being a fan of live music per se, and a wider participation such as informal sessions, however, I perform (with others) English Trad. because that is all I am sufficiently good at and I do enjoy performing! My pet hate is poor, introspective, songwriters but one has to listen in case you miss a nugget, and, after all, thay have sat, just as uneasily, through our stuff.
So, now I know Dartford isn't for us, for no other reason than we don't probably do what the audience like and they are paying to get in, this isn't personal it is good sense.
Peter