squeak,
I like the comparison to the violinist; it makes sense. But it’s not *exactly* the same, because no one is seeking out the violinist, begging him to practice for a possible gig- if they would, the artist might well say, “well, if it means so much to you that I put in this work specifically for you, I’m going to charge per hour”.
In general, the violist waits the the big gig, the artist waits for the big break, but it’s self-oriented- they are doing the work of practice and attempts for themselves, and if they get recognized by others, they’ve made it. In that sense, the comparison doesn’t work; the shadchanim are sought after and requested to make efforts on the “consumer’s” behalf. I would say more similar to a gardener who is asked to put in efforts towards tilling the soil, making choices of seeds, planting it and tending to it, and the desired end results don’t always materialize, but the efforts are still paid for. Of course, if a gardener gets a bad rep, he will be out of business, and similarly people usually gravitate to shadchanim who are known as successful, though the term has very different ratio meaning for gardener and shadchan.
I think I’m getting carried away with my metaphors, and should just stick to doing what I feel is right in my own little backyard and keep quiet on the rest. I think I’ve more than used up my pixel space on this board :), and I want to mind my manners :).