I come from Lincolnshire. home of Joseph Taylor - a veritable home of English folksong - though of course, folksong has many homes in England.

Despite the anti establishment current running through something like Rufford Park Poachers - the agricultural communities always seemed deeply conservative to me. Certainly Boston, where I come from always returned a tory MP.

I suspect some folksong is antiestablishment and some isn't. I think some people who have devoted their lives to the art and craft of folk music would like a token of recognition from a grateful nation, and some couldn't give a stuff.
Perhaps if you want an MBE, you should ask. Then there would be no more confusion, and no need for resentment - sort of why didn't I get one? (something I heard several times when Martin took his.)

Then if you got one, you'd be happy. And if they said, "MBE for a scuffler like you - piss off!" At least you would know where you stand.