I find it slightly odd, Jack, that you who are so enthusiastic about the instrumental traditions of Eastern European and Middle Eastern countries, are so dismissive of the Irish and English traditions of the whistle. I've been playing in the Irish tradition for well over 30 years, and have met many excellent players (most of whom are better than ne btw), but I can confidently say that there are few who can approach the best styles on a recorder; the music has to be modified. Which isn't to say it's not good, of course, but I've never wanted to play it that way. I'm sure you wouldn't recomment a mey player to take up clarinet instead?