I hope I can make my comments without being rude and offensive.
But just because someone does not use his or her talent professionally does not say that they are not talented only they may lack the confidence and the guts to make a living out of it or do not wish to do so.
I have heard amatuers that would equal or surparss professionals.
In regard to microphones in arrangers I dearly love the combination.I have been in the past anti microphone and did not use one
but have now learnt their value.They at least let you hear what the audience hears and
could deter some bad singers from inflicting their voices on audiences.

Cousin Ken