Well, let's cut to the chase. As far as I'm concerned, any fee is commensurate with the skill and expertise of the performers - whatever the performing medium, bands, morris, solo performers - and nothing to do with gender.

And as with music, so with everything else these days.

Furthermore, I don't give a bugger what the popular "media" do or think. TV producers and journalists perceptions are often wide of the mark. If you want to see their stupidity in action, check out any episode of Midsomer Murders where "folk" music or any other kind of music is featured. Total tosh in most cases.