Years ago, Harry Lorayne wrote that he doubted any card trick will ever compete with a young lady in a miniskirt doing the frug (for those under a 100, that was a seriously sexy dance – in those days). Competition for your audience’s attention grows stronger every day.
Reality and illusion continuously merge until we no longer believe our eyes and we begin to accept everything as normal.
Our magic must unequivocally punch our spectators in the nose and get their attention. It must be visible and inexplicable. I’m not sure 4 year olds buy the change bag any more.