"Many people do think it's naive to improvise in front of paying customers. I'm not saying one way is better than another"

Lee Konitz's quote suggests that there is nobody ideal way to technique performing music for paying customers. He acknowledges that many individuals think it is naive to improvise in front of an audience, however he does not always agree with this viewpoint. Rather, he implies that there is worth in both improvisation and playing pre-written music. He is recommending that each approach has its own benefits and that it depends on the specific musician to choose which approach works best for them. Eventually, Konitz is advocating for musicians to make their own choices and to trust their own instincts when it comes to carrying out. He is motivating artists to check out various approaches and to discover what works best for them. By doing so, they can produce a special and meaningful performance that resonates with their audience.