Mmmmm. Yeah agreed. Eye contact can be over done. An appearance of desperation should be avoided..... even if you are desperate.

I have known buskers who have feigned disability (by hiding their legs below the knee)

Such desperate measures must be crippling to their self esteem as well!!

Playing good lively music with a WIDE APPEAL is the best tactic of all.

Strangely, I always find that tuning up is very lucrative. People seem to find it fascinating. I know I do.

Smoking and drinking alcohol on your pitch is stupid.

Pointless, shady people hanging round ones pitch is bad, especially on a small pitch.

Politeness too is very helpful and maintains your sanity. It's nice to be nice.

Still, you should have politely kicked that guy's ass.