it is perfectly possible to have technique as well as soul,having technique does not prevent you playing with feeling,many musicians have both.
so there is no logical reason why musicians can not make good critics,I also accept that someone with a good knowledge of their subject can also make a good critic,what I do not accept is that anyone should be allowed to be a music critic [just because they have the desire].
in my opinion good music critics are in a minority on the english folk scene ,and there is room for improvement.
I believe those who have been reviewed should be allowed to reply,and that reviewers should not be above criticism.
reviewers,have the power to affect peoples careers,therefore they should be answerable.
to say there is not room to print it ,or people wouldnt want to read a reply,is arguable,and sounds to me like a convenient excuse by the editor to fob people off.