Wow, I didn't read the entire post, but I read most of it and I have to say...
Yes, it's great to run a fair rotation, but everyone's definition of fair is a little bit different. Do I put new singers in front of the existing rotation, or do I make them wait an hour and a half so people who have already sang 2 or 3 times can sing again? What ratio do I let new people sing to those who have already sang? Do I take into account how long they have waited for their request total? Do I bump singers up that are good or because the manager/owner asks me to? The questions go on and on and on...
Bottom line is, while yes, I love karaoke and hosting it and bringing joy to both the singers and the bar, I am here to make money. So if someone wants to part with some of their hard earned cash and their request isn't too off the wall you bet your A-- I'm gonna take that 20 dollar bill with a smile.
Don't get me wrong, when the annihilated chick that just finished singing absolutely "has to sing small town girl by journey!!!1!!11! NEXXXT" and is gonna give me 5 bucks, I send her packing.
But there's nothing wrong with padding your income with a little extra cash, and I promise 99% of people who are at your venue to have a god time won't care one bit.
And I'm not sure who, but someone attributed pirating to accepting tips???
Man, what planet are you from?