I figured that I was going to get paid for the performance no matter what, so why practice this piece after I had to work so hard for the auditions. That's why this is a chickened-out performance.
To do greater justice to the music and to yourself, your talent. Very bad attitude IMO, you shouldn't think like that too often.
Give the guy a break. I doubt you've had experiences where you ended up face to face with the greatest minds on the planet and had to convince them that you're worth loads of money and time.
I've been through similar experiences interviewing at graduate schools, including the Ivy League. It's so stressful that when it's over, you just want to let go and let it be past. I agree that you shouldn't play something if you're not going to play it well, but I think that there are powerful emotions associated with it and you shouldn't just dismiss it so simply. With respect,Daniel