For "Folkiedave" and all others: I can't disagree. Also, I didn't say I necessarily liked the outlined evolution of the recent "folk revival." But, like anything truly worthwhile and with notable intrinsic value, the "great unwashed" don't necessarily know of it, much less pay rapt attention to it until it becomes commercial.

I would have to say, though, that an awful lot of people who love, perform and collect folk music might not have been exposed to it at all had it not been for the commercial success of those I mentioned, and others. In that regard, I am probably as guilty as anyone else.
What started out as a glorified attention-getting device in high school developed into a lifelong love affair.