Folk music, being naturally a parlor affair, never developed the large-chested projection techniques, and musically is never challenged to match the range and technical intricacies that opera singers meet every day.

I can't make out the words opera singers sing. Even in English. In fact, if anything, even more so when they are singing in English.

As for amplification, fair enough in a big venue. But singing out, rather than mumbling or whispering into a mike, is what its all about.