Well, it is difficult. It is grossly unfair to undervalue the talent that we have in the folk scene, yet it is also difficult for artists being accused of turning their backs on the very clubs that gave them the opportunity to get to where they are.
Perhaps we should look at clubs as the apprentiships for folk performers, and tyhe festivals and concerts as the place to see those who have made it big.
All the guys you have mentioned ha dto start somewhere and it was invariably the local clubs. The system works, I believe and I am quite happy with it.
Would I pay £30.00 to see Christy Moore - no. But I am glad that he has sufficient presence and following to be able to demand that sort of booking, it is good for the genre.