We usually play in a venue that's open to the public and we form a semi-circle. Some musicians insist on closing the circle and playing with their backs to the audience,insisting that it's "Traditional".(It's just plain RUDE.)

Amen to that and this highlights the problem I have with the idea that 'session etiquette' should be anything other than plain common sense, good manners and consideration.

Sometimes this term used as a cover, usually by folk who feel that being seen as a musician is more important that making music. By claiming as above, that something that is not common sense, good manners and consideration, but indeed the very opposite - is the way things should be done.