The problem is not being paid for performing, but allowing the fact that you are being paid decide what and how you perform - in other words, becoming a cultural juke-box.
Some years ago there was a fascinating programme on Irish television entitled 'Has Folk Music Sold Out?' The point of it was to discuss the lengths performers had to go in order to earn a living.
One of Ireland's leading fiddle players spoke on how he had to adapt what he did to the requirements of his paymasters rather than decide for himself - classic example of the feller paying the piper/fiddler calling the tune. He said that it was almost impossible for an individual performer to make a living at playing alone - "you are forced to join a group". Fine if that's what you want to do, not so good if you don't.
The programme was some years ago, but last year in Dublin he confirmed to me that, despite the rise in the status of the traditional musician, this was still very much the case.
Thanks for the two wonderful quotes Art - they'll go in the book for future use.
Jim Carroll