Thought I'd contribute something to this one.
1. I do sing traditional songs and I close my eyes to better concentrate on the story and words. I've tried singing with my eyes open but find I tend to lose concentration and go astray in the "story".
2.I've had a beard for over 40years, wheather its to do with image or what I'm not sure. What I do know is that my future widow would evict me if I attempted to shave it off.
3. The issue of speaking the last line of the song is a thorny one. A lot of the source singers did speak the last line, the reason why I was never able to ascertain. On reflection I'd say it was personal preference or for impact as in the final line of The Titanic "when the sea gives up its dead"