“If that is the shadchan’s SOLE source of income (as it typically is with the other professionals whom you mentioned), I would agree. And if the shadchan spent as much time training to do his/her job as a musician, I might also agree with you.”
So if a musician is rich, you owe him less ? And if he’s a prodigy who spent minimal time training, you owe him less ? Do you give a broker a smaller percentage if they were matzliach to help you 1-2-3 ?
This is not Olam Habah. One almost never earns for their efforts, but for their results.
The point has been made above that Shadchanus is halachically recognized as being money owed, according to accepted standards. Your plumber also has a mitzvah to help you – I hope you don’t tell him that when he presents you with the bill.
Your feelings are commendable – but not valid when foisted on others, who want what is rightfully theirs.
And everything x2 for frimet. Any particular reason this is not an acceptable profession ?