Yes,it's me freeloading again.Please note my use of 'traditional'rather than 'folk'-it's slightly easier to define.
It was McGrath's scam comment that prompted me to jump in.Also nobody here has suggested composers should not be paid. So,to pursue what might be questionable:

Tom: a society owned by us? one that obliges promoters to join if they want to use any sort of music? Who hath set them up to judge us?
As I understand it PRS is a self-appointed organisation operating in place of Government under (a rather dusty)Act of Parliament i.e.a quango (no perjorative intent).

Russ cites Smiths*,once patrons of live music-hypothetically,why should such a company not have the option to give J.Kirkpatrick or Acker Bilk a free pint in return for customers playing their tunes,or even to the players for their delightful arrangement of trad.ones?None of those parties can be happy about Macca &co copping from their efforts.No fees,no admin.,direct reward.

*as it happens I'm not convinced that PRS were Smiths only irritation.
Regards F.(UK)