Reading the various posts it is obvious that a lot of JPF songwriters never or very rarely perform their songs live. How many of you actually perform your songs on a regular basis? Or do you just write, record, then post on say Soundclick or a similar forum.
I think performing a song live to an audience is a valuable tool to assess it for audience reaction, popularity and potential. Only then would I commit time and money to making a demo. If the demo is up to standard then and only then would I consider posting it or pitching it. The A&R job should not be seperating wheat from chaff but selecting from the creme de la creme.
PS Your wife, neighbours or aunt Mary do not really make good, informed, unbiased judgements.