I remember getting told that at one time, the Model T used to be the #1 vehicle. Times have changed - and the Model T is no longer relevant to today. The scenario you describe (good night / bad night) is business 101.
Long story short, this was because you didn't follow up. Getting an offer to play and actually playing are 2 very different things. Why did you never talk to the owner? As already stated, if you would get out of your 5 mile circle, alot of the 'issues' you talk about don't exist.
If that red line had even one ounce of truth, you would stop buying equipment the way you do.
About that .. how much repeat 'business' do you have?
Are you claiming and paying taxes?