Play a tune once is ok twice is alright but a 3rd time might be bordering on the boring and to repeat that thrice more is just trying to hold the limelight.

For an audience to listen to (as mainly the case with song) - that may be the case with tunes.

But tunes are not mainly intended to be listened to (unless in a performance). They are first for dancing to and in sessions mainly for the participants to play, pass on and to learn - but mainly to involve all present in making a nice noise together.

Playing a third time (or more) is often the very opposite of trying to hold the limelight.

[But as holding the limelight is the main point of 'giving us a song' - why should this object be judged so questionable when playing a tune?]

The more time a tune is played - anyone unfamiliar with the tune or less skilled than others has more time to learn it. Very often I carry on playing a tune when I see someone (who I know to like tune being played) rushing back from the toilet, in order to join in before it stops. You can get a bit pissed off when you get set up to play a tune you like - only for it stop at that point.