Jim,
Long ago I conceded that parts of Ireland and the Bothy tradition have songs made in local communities that have become part of oral tradition. You are well aware that I am talking about the body of material collected by the likes of Sharp, Kidson, Baring Gould, Hammond, Gardiner etc.

I recently delivered a talk on this at Cecil Sharp House on the Broadside Day, in front of many highly respected scholars of folk music and the print tradition. (A version can be viewed on the TSF website). Not one attendee took me to task on any of the points I made. In fact they were most complimentary. They were certainly given plenty of opportunity to do so both in private and after the presentation itself. I do think you are looking at this through rose-coloured spectacles and to some extent burying your head in the sand.

But hey ho. that's one thing this forum is here for, and everyone is entitled to their opinions. We are polarised on this issue having followed similar paths in folk music. It's a shame, but there you go.
I do quite enjoy our little disagreements and I thank you for your input. It keeps me on my toes and stops me from becoming complacent.