I can't see the point in scrapping them. The division created by these awards is that those who aren't keen appear to feel they're not representative of particular aspects of a/the 'folk' scene. Those that are generally supportive of them obviously feel they reflect at least some aspect.

Therefore, it seems to me that the issue isn't so much whether they should exist or not, but more should they be expanded in some way in order to cover areas that perhaps some feel aren't that represented.

Also, if a few more categories/awards were introduced, there maybe less chance of the same names getting more than one award - which is always contentious no matter what the competition. When a couple of people win 4 of only 11 awards, it does make it look as if there's 'less going on' and 'unrepresentative' - even if they are actually deserving of the awards. That's an observation rather than a criticism before anyone starts reaching for the nearest pitchfork and burning torch!