Donny, on a greater part it’s great list. I agree with John on most of what he said.

My opinions are based on a four or five piece band.

1-Make set lists
Never, it took away my freedom. It was not possible for me to read a crowd and work a set list. There will always be songs that seem to go together – We had lists that we did not planned or write out. It’s magic out there; something guides you to play the right tune at the right time, it’s all about feeling the audience. There were never open spaces – I was leading called the key, pushed my guitar and we were going.

2- Stick to set times
If it is a show yes. Parties, no. There were times we played our last hour non-stop. How could you stopped when they were going crazy.

3-Keep things moving. Always; if not you lose the crowd.

4-Encourage drinking
Wow, never found a crowd that needed encouragement. If the music was strong/good they would drink and dance --- Party
Feeling and freedom --- Feeling and freedom – This is what I do not have when I play with recorded background music. The firsts few times it feels good; but after hearing the guy play the same riff the same way at the same place in the song I begin to lose it. And yes, I do use midi files.

Only my opinion.
John C.