Interesting viewpoint, leveller, and I understand what you're saying. Actually, if you chassé to one side, away from the folk scene and into other musical scenes, it can be just the same story. I've seen huge arguments between jazz musicians about what constitutes jazz, with phrases like "mouldy figs" and "dirty bopper" passing into the currency. Try playing a wrong note or singing a wrong phrase in a Buddy Holly song in front of an audience of dedicated 1950s rock'n roll devotees. Some large ted with a scowl on his face may wander up to you and accuse you, with some justification, of not doing it right... I speak from experience.

It's a shame when passion for music, in any of its forms, becomes intolerance. I haven't encountered too much of that since I returned, now and then, to the folk world about five years ago, but it raises its scaly head now and then. I don't pay any attention.