Actually there is quite a lot of criticism of 'standards' - and I agree with *some* of what Jim Carroll says about folk clubs where there are paying audiences for example. And Borchester Echo tends to express similar views.

I feel amateur clubs (be they water-colourists showing at the local library, home bakers making cakes for the fete, or folkies having a singaround in the upstairs function room of a pub) aught not to be compared to, or judged by the same standards as, professional artists, chefs, or musicians.

I know others feel differently about that. But that's my take.