Thanks, Phil. I understand what you're saying. You expressed yourself very well.
I also understand what Lloyd said. I've also performed onstage with a guitar and a vocal mike, and I know that the presence of an audience makes singing and playing more difficult than it is in rehearsal, and much more difficult when the audience is one for which I very much wanted to perform well. Just as in important (for me) golf events and tournaments, the more I want it, the more likely I am to, as they say, "get in my own way."
I know choking is a harsh word. It might not be the best way to describe what happens when the importance of the moment causes you to focus more on the result than on the execution of the fundamentals, but we all know it happens, and regardless of the size of the stage, the feeling is universal.
The interesting thing about heightened pressure, be it in sports or music, is that it also brings out the best in us. There are times when I want the heightened importance of the moment, because I know it tends to focus my efforts to a point where I can dig down and find the best that's in me. And there are times where I'll fail to find that, and deliver a poor performance.
I'm comfortable calling those times choking, but I understand your reluctance to use that word. And where I'd probably agree with you, and disagree with the sentiments behind Dottie Pepper's comment, is that most performers are capable of responding both miserably and magnificently under pressure. One choke -- or even several -- does not make a choker.