Wow,
Great points.

1) Paul, nice idea to make the singing (round robin) workshop a workshop! To that end actually sceduling folks who run sessions or sings so that they can steer the course of the gathering more than sing. Perhaps offer commentary. Feedback and leadership---Too much to ask of MSM?

2) Marc - Just wanted to make sure I was clear. I LOVED those groups that you mentioned by name. One of my strongest festival memories is of that inuit group. I was saying that they were exceptions as stated : " I think the situation of having people from exclusive ethnic traditions who don't know where their music overlaps with the sea is rare (and an obvious exception). " I wasn't sure if you were supporting me or pointing out a lapse on my part. I'm sure we're "on the same side" on this one.

3) Leading by example is important, but I've learned the hard way that the example of the one or two "good ones" is usually outweighed by the noise of a group of the "bad ones". Entropy is the only LAW. If you don't stand against it, then you're not actively building anything, perhaps not even holding ground.