I don't know where to begin.
Bert, I get over to Dick and Susan's sing when I can. They live about an hour from me, near Trenton. I am surprised you didn't get much opportunity to perform at PFS sings as they are mostly round robins (that's like an open mike without the mike).
When I talk about full time folksingers, I mean just that. I mean that there are jobs for singers and players of traditional music, lots of jobs. And, unlike folk clubs, these jobs pay more than an honorarium. I get between $135 and $200 for one hour nursing home jobs, $200 to $350 for school assembly programs and libraries and $100 to $200 per hour (the longer the job, the less per hour) at civic fairs and fetes. I get $150 to $250 for a one hour Jewish program and a minimum of $250 when my bluegrass trio does a three hour wedding or private party.
Also, I teach at my home, one day per week (mandolin, tenor banjo, guitar and 5 string)
I am tossing out these numbers to show that there is a living to be made in traditional music. Some of the other local artists make more but I am more than satisfied with my lot.
I see nothing compromising or tainted about charging for my work. I will never be wealthy but, hey, I'm a folksinger.

                   Mike