One of the important things about any music, especially a folk form, is that it has a steady influx of new blood. Unfortunately the authoritarians or absolutists, while by no means a majority, are common enough within the tradition to turn off newbies or those dipping a toe (or an ear). That and the barmy dress codes.

Much folk music is accessible and communal and I wonder why it isn't more popular. What may be happening is folk's youthful element are staying out of a debate and a club scene they see as irrelevant. I don't think the pernickety strand is compulsory to appreciation and hope that folk will carry its history lightly, a common knowledge that one taps into and out of at will without obsessing over.