Meaning, understanding, and feeling, that's the difference it makes.
Yes, these are very important. Do they change if the song is from Ireland or England? Do they change if the song old or new? If you want to talk about the differences and similarities between traditional music and contemporary music, I'll chat all day. Likewise, talking about the history and meaning of specific songs is fascinating and important. But this thread seems to be about which tradition is better or more valid or more alive or something. It doesn't seem to have much to do with the reality of making or understanding music. And anytime I see economic class being mixed in with discussions about music I get bothered. People of all classes who like folk music like folk music. People of all classes who don't like folk music don't like folk music. Seems obvious to me.

If you don't care about any of those, stick to what Sony wants to sell you.
Wow, where did that come from? It's a jump. Since I haven't bought any mainstream CDs in about 30 years, it's QUITE a jump!