Jim Carroll,Did the original singer play it with a guitar,Ithink the answer is no.Martin Carthys guitar arrangement was a sophisticated arrangement.it is absolutely correct that his arrangement should be credited.
You are entitled to your opinion,but please remember Martin Carthy has given a lot of people pleasure,.and in many peoples opinion has done a lot more for traditional music than yourself.
WHY am I a philistine,you havent answered.
still, perhaps I would rather be a philistine than a fossil.
If Seeger used the tune of Eleanor Rigby, of course she needs permission ,For the same reason, a performer cant use the tune of, First Time ever I saw your face[it was Ewan Macolls Creation,it needs his permission first].,that is the law.the law is their to protect musicians like Seeger and Macoll as well as the Beatles.
First time ever I saw your face,reached number one in the American charts,probably making Maccoll a very rich man [He deserved it].