It comes down to the bloke running the club. if you have a core of decent singers - let them know they are valued; that their input is vital to leavening the evening, and shows the way to progress, for less experienced singers. i can think of a lot of good performers who stick out for a gig rather than lending their talents, because they feel exploited.

certainly it becomes all too easy to be regarded as the local idiot who pulls the irons out of the fire of local folk clubs, whilst the club organisers are having it large with loss making gigs with folk music 'greats'.

its down to respect. if you give it, you have some chance of getting it back.