Brian...

If you want to play a Taylor Guitar at your shows, someone has to pay Taylor and buy the guitar for you to use. If you want to play a night full of James Taylor songs, someone has to buy the rights to perform the songs you use. That's fair. You can choose NOT to use a Taylor guitar.. and you can choose not to play James Taylor songs. But if you DO choose.. someone should pay for both.

You say "Someone has to buy the rights to perform the songs you use"

Please tell me (calmly might be nice) how to determine which "songs you use" without making a (I'll use the word that seems to frighten you) LIST !

Those are your words , Brian....

I hope you're little rant has made you feel better......
Disagreement really is a problem for you isn't it.
As you grow older, you'll find being wrong less hurtful....( I hope)

Bob