you choose to put me down by insinuating that I might 'wander off into an uncontrolled warble'

I didn't say you did. I don't know who you are but it's clear from what you write that you're a very experienced singer. I'm reporting what I've heard happen at every single public gathering of non-expert singers where someone taking on a leadership role decides to impose their preference for the older tune. Most people can't follow it and just go silent, and a large proportion of those who do try will get the two tunes mixed up or otherwise get in a fankle.

If you want to show off soloistically, there are plenty of other songs to use. You don't have to sabotage something which has remained a musical focus of community over 200 years, more widely known than any other song ever.

Eddi Reader's version is even worse and the hand signals don't help one bit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhhxOI3gfp8