There is a difference between using custom cards to perform because they're near by and buying custom cards specifically to use gigging. As a professional, if you want to work with custom cards all the time more power to you but they're 2-3 times more expensive and can't be used in conjunction with the majority of gimmicks.
I'm talking about people who actually earn a living performing, not a casual amateur or hobbyest.
It's pedantic, I know, but you specified the semi-pro as well. That means someone not making their living, but supplementing it.
While I'm not quite a pure sleight-of-hand performer any gimmick I use (which is extremely few) will work with any deck design.
I see what you're saying, but what I mean is that you're projecting. You said "No semi pro or pro". What you meant is, "I" or possibly "many". You're projecting your own ideas of what's practical and appropriate to everyone.
I've used custom cards for paid gigs, because those were the cards that were in the best shape at the time of the gig. In the future I have every intention of using custom cards for paid gigs if/when I actually do card work. This is for the simple reason that Bikes don't enhance the image I want to present and other cards do.