I agree with this phrase of yours.For me, the clue to whether the song is working lies in the phrasing.
The same criticism could be applied to many whistle,and flute players[Both young and old traditional or revival]who breathe in innappropriate places[eg a middle of a musical phrase].
I agree with your next phrase too, IMO many revival singers would do well to think about their phrasing.
Furthermore the introduction of guitar instrumentals in a long ballad, as far as I am concerned only adds as a distraction.
Burl Ives[Revival singer]appeared to have the same attitude as Texas Gladden,When he describes the man in the song Barbara.Allen.
I[Burl Ives] always have the same picture of the man and the room,where he lay dying.

In the world of Irish/Scottish/ Northumbrian traditional instrumental music,there doesnt seem to be the same concern with traditional or revival labels,People just do it,sometimes well, sometimes not so well.http://www.dickmiles.com