[fazool]

Part of the problem is that non professional musicians (certainly non union) will take gigs for that price. Lots of audience don’t know the difference. Some booking agents don’t seem to care.......

This.... the lowest bid wins. America loves it's cheap labor.

I don't pay cover charge or spend money at a venue because a musician has a union card in their pocket. I couldn't care less. I spend money based on the quality of entertainment I get.

And if the paying patrons dont know the difference and dont care, then you aren't adding any additional value as a performer. Thats not an insult - its literally the definition of "value".