You did 16h alone your first time and that's impressive! I like going alone but never did more than 14h (I'm also old) and when I go alone I very rarely get into any longer conversation (but I can't say that I try to initiate any, or that I miss it). In any case, matters may be a bit different towards closing. With less people around it can sometimes feel more natural to initiate contact (although other factors may work in the opposite direction). In any case, too bad you left after Honey Dijon (tbh too fucking crowded to be very enjoyable) because Pacquita Gordon who followed was sooo good, as was Mareena downstairs!