Okay Raggytash I take your point . A generalisation always requires qualification. So...the educated working class, of which I'm one, was generally in the folk clubs.Does that do?
and folkdavie...
If singer-songwriter is shorthand for "boring songs which I have written about my girlfriend/boyfriend who I have just left/fallen in love with.." then nothing clears a folk club quicker.
I have been in the lucky position of having aspiring perfrmers sending records to me in the hopes of getting bookings. By far the largest number were from people who I describe as wearing their angst on their sleeve. Heaven knows what they do to folk clubs.

You validate my point here. You don't book them and neither does anyone else.
However I've heard Joe Topping...a real talent, but lyrically he fits your stereotype!