Actually there are a number of different groups and sub groups of travellers, and in many cases they don't mix hardly at all. All to often there is prejudice in different societies. Its a fact, like it or not. Its just one of those things.
We can all do our bit to cross over cultural boundaries and promote peace and understanding.

Steve Gardham make a very valid point in his search for historical accuracy. That being IMO, that we are all multi faceted personalities and one particular label, be it traveller, historian, researcher, communist fascist, simply can not encompass the full human being. We all have taken different routes and are on different journeys, yet today we are here[ figuratively speaking] discussing various aspects of traditional song, from our own viewpoints.

My interjection perhaps does not have any relevance to Steve's interests as a researcher, I can only give my view from personal experiance, I raised the matter of a couple of songs I am interested in. In the case of Sullivan John, Which is , to me,firmly within the tradition, and the two verses which differ , vs 2. Now I would be very interested in the provenance of those 2 verses, and if one is original and one an adoption. and which is which... Perhaps it is a sub plot in this thread? Perhaps it really is inappropriate in so far as the historians/researcher's are focused on   more specific times, places and people. Im fine with that.