Jim, I agree with a lot of what you are saying, but I take issue with the final comment that "The idea of not giving of your best on a residents night, and only putting your good singers on when yo have a guest is hypocritical and unfair."

Most club regulars are well aware that a singers night and a guest night are quite different animals, and are tolerant of lower standards at singers nights - they might even find the courage to sing themselves. Guest nights are showpieces, and deserve the best. Singers nights are an opportunity for anyone who wishes to sing, but the standards are likely to be patchy. As long as the club audience accepts this, there isn't a problem.

The folk clubs have traditionally provided an opportunity for singers to learn the craft. I agree that you shouldn't "practice in public", but you can only get confidence to perform in public by doing it.    The downside is that while singers are gaining experience their standard may leave something to be desired, but that seems to be accepted as well, at least in most of the clubs I've been in.