Don, I don't think anyone is suggesting that new singers shouldn't be given the chance. And if "The Wild Rover" is one of the only songs they know, so be it. The question is, should they be given the chance by supporting a professional act people have paid good money to see?

The folk scene is extraordinarily generous in allowing new singers the opportunity to perform, and is usually extremely supportive (perhaps even too uncritical) while they make their mistakes in public. In many genres you'll struggle to find the same opportunities to play to an audience, and you may even have to pay a venue for the privilege. And if you're no good, you'll be told in no uncertain terms. Whereas folk clubs offer repeated opportunities for the inexperienced (or frankly crap) to do their stuff in a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere.

Which is good. But it is not to say that those singers should have the right to perform on any occasion. In most genres, the opportunity to support a professional act is something which has to be earned, after you've paid your dues and gone through the learning process. As the magazine article demonstrates, folk music is in danger of doing itself a disservice by not exercising sufficient quality control when the occasion demands it.

As for "who should decide who is good enough", I suggest that should be the organiser of the event, who is the one who will stand to lose money if a paying audience is put off by poor performances.