Ah McGrath, I think you've nailed the nail squarely. Rise up Singing is a very good reference book (except for some of the REALLY silly word changes) but it DOES evoke nostalgia, and I think that's how it gets "mis-used" at song circles. Watching someone trying to sing while squinting at small print while playing the chords for the first time in their lives is PAINFUL. I can see how some folks get their shorts in a knot. Also discourages anyone who actually KNOWS the song from even playing along, 'cause of the probable key and chord discrepancies.

Rick