The issue of playing for free-----I generally agree with the sentiment of not being used, or taken advantage of. However, in a fairly small town, where I reside (20,000), I’ve found over the years that playing some “charity” gigs, church functions, fund raisers, and such, often lead to good paying jobs-----such as class reunions, anniversaries, wedding receptions, and the like. It can be good exposure to those who might see/hear you----who otherwise might not know what you have to offer. That’s happened on many occasions.