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It IS a bad habit, and improper technique. And I see everyone doing it, not just musicians. Public speakers, politicians. Although I do encourage experimentation - your recorded voice will sound different at 2 inches vs 7 inches away from the screen - I learned in recording studio training that 3-5" is technically the best distance.

I would use 'spit screens' in the studio to keep them back but this might prove awkward-looking in concert. Another option is headsets - again, in studio - but might look too sci-fi on stage. And the freq response might not quite compare to a classic Neumann or esoteric mic from before WWII(!)

Perhaps, as you suggested, we have simply let training & proper technique fall by the wayside for the sake of rushing out another contractual obligation. lol!

-CC