Re The Richard Thompson/Mark Knopfler connection.
Here is an extract form an 1980s Guitar Player magazine interview with
Mark.

Interviewer: "Another guitarist to whom you bear a remarkable similarity is Richard Thompson".

Knopfler: "Well, I haven't really heard much of Richard Thompson's stuff. I saw him play live years ago with his then-wife [Linda Thompson] and enjoyed it very much. But I've only listened to one of his records.Around the time Dire Straits was starting, we were all in this house, and John [Illsley] hadone of his records. I haven't really kept up with him, but I mean to do something about that. We've both done folk music and things, so there's probably quite a lot of common ground. I think I was probably more into the blues, while he was doing Fairport Convention".

Well, I think Mark is being untruthful here!
There is so much about Knopfler's playing that screams "Richard Thompson!" that makes me believe that Mark listened to Richard a great deal.

Maybe, Mark felt that admitting Richard's huge influence would in some way diminish his reputation.
If that is so, then Mark should be ashamed of himself.