In some places, there will always be SOMEone who really doesn't care what you do, but hopefully, those people are few. You play for those who DO care, and serve up the music. Let them get their own fries. Our job is to satisfy the client. Put out the product you have faith in - charge what you feel you're worth and do the job... the job they pay you for.
Playing beneath your comfort zone is simply part of the territory. Music and entertainment is a PEOPLE driven business. No people = NO WORK. I put lots of bands, DJs, KJs out of work because of the product I bring, and my work ethic. You have to SELL. Sell yourself, sell the music and sell the crowd ... with each song. You have 4 minutes at a time to convince the audience to stay or leave. Bulky setups can draw a negative reaction before you play a note. I've already seen people come in for dinner and after they see their proximity to the music, they ask to be relocated. I GET it - they expect loud and annoying because of the sins of our predecessors. I make it a point to have a venue ask me to turn UP the music long before it's the reverse.
Works for me, and I never had to serve fries.