Generalisations:
Pubs/Breweries will not normally subsidise festivals (exceptions of course)
Local Authorities will not subsidise festivals ~ L & T budgets usually last in pecking order exceptions seaside perhaps

Musicians go to play with other musicians

Singers sing with their mates

Dancers dance with their teams , or at the Ceildh

Public at large will enjoy (or not) what they see may contribute in the hat
Folk/Concert club attenders may go to concerts (but not the other categories aforementioned unless in the know)
Net winners the pubs, are they grateful no way

Mainly the above FF attendees come away happy spent up and have enjoiyed what they have done

What are FF organiser trying to do ~ encourage bums on seats and paying customers

What do the majority want ~ to do their own thing and pay as little as possible

Many diverse motivations keep festivals going ~ not least the social side

Many hours practice goes in to music song dance and it is these people who make FFs what they are. It is the spirit which continues of 'homemade music' for mutual enjoyment of your crowd.

Yes booked guests are by and large excellent and 'entertain' in variety of ways and many in ways that I personally like and would go to see

Needless to say I like what I like and that's it!
Food for thought, but I think near the mark. If FF organiser think they can break the mould I know who will lose!

Ray