This is why this FAQ used to be a one response option. May be time to revisit that set up. Y'all are messing up my fung shue over here.
While this section is usually for questions with more cut and dry answers, I think the only thing I can add to this discussion is that there is no single best way.
I WOULD suggest that the best thing to have in your corner is a great reputation on the local club circuit. On the occasions we do have an opportunity to add a band to a bill one of the first things we do is ask our colleagues in other local venues who has been naughty and who has been nice.
