Mr Schweik, a few points, if I may:

1) On diplomacy. There is no reason to suppose that Steve S. is not as open to "constructive criticism" as the next man - however, criticism is rarely constructive when it is preceded by an unpleasant exchange of barbed remarks. If you really want your criticism to be constructive, you need to establish, or re-establish, some kind of fellow-feeling before making it. Assertion of one's bona fides is not an acceptable substitute.

2) Your criticisms of Steve's CD are unfair on several counts. Firstly, he is not trying to play like the Murphys; it is clear from his and your comments that he is not quite as taken with their style as you are. Steve has made it clear here and elsewhere that he is put off by the occasionally discordant or slightly-out-of-tune effect of chording/vamping, and presumably does not feel that the "oomph and drive" factor make up for it - so why would he put into his playing? This seems to me an entirely subjective matter; your ear vs. his ear - there's a kind of sound that appeals to you; there's another kind that appeals to Steve. Secondly, and similarly, the supposed almost "plodding" of the jigs - entirely subjective; one man's plodding is another man's racing, and some prefer plodding to racing anyway. (And that was my opinion when I read the review which you quote). As for his playing being "not dancey enough" - not dancey enough for who or what? Thirdly, re: your remark that Steve on his CD sounded at times "too careful" or like he's "not enjoying himself", and that this means he's not in the "same class" as the Murphys - well, perhaps the Murphys are able to relax and enjoy themselves in a recording studio, but I have known and known of many masterful trad. musicians whose studio recordings have nothing of the excitement of their usual ("live") playing. In the same vein, I've known musicians who have been tremendous in the kitchen, but who are just ordinary on the stage. When I listen to Steve's CD, btw, it never occurs to me to wonder whether or not he was enjoying himself. I enjoy myself.

3) Why does everyone pick on the poor old vicar and his cucumber sandwiches? Never did anyone no harm as far as I know.

FWIW, based solely on your comments, I suspect that my own musical sensibility is closer to yours than to Steve's - but his approach is perfectly valid, as far as I am concerned, and his music should be appreciated on its own terms rather than being criticised for not being more like the Murphys'.