As I read through the comments, a couple of things stand out.

1) those who have used booking agents did so at a time when live music was in its heyday
2) they were asking the agent to book a full band at established venues

<REALITY CHECK>
___Solo act. Backing tracks. 2015. Restaurants.
</REALITY CHECK>

Given the recurring complaint among musicians that they can't get work, you'd think the agent concept would have evolved with the market. And they probably have, but more along the lines of booking bands who used to be famous, but who now have niche appeal outside the mainstream.

Its looking like there isn't going to be an easy way to get gigs without having to wear yet another hat and get out there knocking on doors. ;-(

But A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do...