Arkie - right on. Well said. This is the answer to the Irish trad players, as well ... it is NOT the loudness of the instrument or the melody skill of the guitarist ... it is what the style of music demands of the instrument.

The very best rhythm players for these trad bands are nearly always very fine "lead" players as well ... and in most of those band,s you're likely to see that guitarist play some of those lead, or even finger-style accompaniments, in addition to the rhythm work.

These are few excellent guitarists who do both, rhythms and lead work, frequently in DADGAD:
Daithi Sproule
Richard Thompson
Martin Simpson
John Renbourn
Bert Jansch