I say this with the utmost respect,......many players pro full time players doesn't mean that they are "that good" to their audiences even though they think they are in their own head, but it doesn't mean its ever too late to improve,...this alone contributes to Luke warm receptive audience responses,.....just because someone is playing for 20, 30, 40,+ years doesn't mean they are that good and the applause will determine that every time,....the "WOW" factor must be attained 150% of the time above the others out there otherwise you just become an every day ho hum player that gets a check and sought of satisfies the audiences played for, ....
sorry for being a bit harsh but I don't know how else to be honest and say it..