canal wheeler, I was trying to be diplomatic and also humourous, since you choose to be rude, I will not pull any stops,
your problem with this other guy is YOUR problem, in other words look at yourself, you object to some guy playing his guitar before the start[ whats wrong with that], you object to him playing during the break because it prevents you tuning up your guitar, well find another room to tune up, has it occurred to you that some people might possibly prefer his guitar to your tuning.
if i was running the club i would encourage someone to play guitar during the break, i prefer to have someone playing guitar than someone tuning.
no, I do not think using a crib sheet is a good idea,that is not the way to learn how to perform.
canal wheeler.you said "At least they are making a go of presenting some variety, even if they do get it wrong".
so you think its ok to have variety if the standard is poor., and you seem to think its ok to use crib sheets.
I prefer to have someone perform the same three songs well than somebody having a go who is using a crib sheet, changing key during their songs, or other poor performing.
in my opinion the art of performing is learning to cover mistakes without going to bits,and learning to communicate with an audience., having a crib sheet does not help this at all, neither am i convinced it helps a persons confidence.
in my opinion if someone is having difficulty learning words they should find easier song formats like shanties, or story songs with every other line refrains[such as the swan swims so bonny] this enables the singer to have time to think of the next line
finally, i am not a troll or illiterate,I know nothing about you, but let me tell you I have been performing and writing songs on a professional basis for 37 years, I would advise you to mind your mouth and manners.