Excellent thread!
Been following with interest. As someone who appreciates both source singer performance of ballads and what various revivalists have done with them I find the banter amusing but a little sad as well. Of course there is absolutely nothing wrong with performing a ballad in any way. Audiences will sort out whether it works or not.

Some of the Child ballads barely tell a story but he includes them on stylistic grounds. Jim and Suibhne, you like different approaches, but I'm sure most of us are much happier enjoying both approaches. They don't have to be in any sort of conflict.