Honestly, there’s a part of me that also feels that there should be a question of “What’s wrong with being a panhandler?” Though really, whatever your friend was writing was misguided — a panhandler just asks for money. A busker provides their talent gratis but includes the opportunity for you to express gratitude via money.
I used to busk as a juggler at the farmers market. It was the best and fastest way to earn money to feed my kids fresh veggies at the time. I also played guitar, and once or twice just stood there being an entertaining loud-talking person.
All of which is just my way of saying even when I don’t agree with your articles (which happens a lot) I both enjoy and respect your writing, and you deserve all the Ko-fi you can get.