Good post, Steve, and lots of truth in it. In passing:

It would be interesting to find out why people really stopped supporting the clubs. (Families, jobs, other hobbies?) I don't think the best answer can be found by asking the "stars" of the era or by asking here on Mudcat where those with a (nostalgic?) interest still lurk. Those who need to be asked are those who we can't ask because they're no longer part of the scene.)

Well, here's an answer from one 'Catter who dropped in and out of the folk scene from time to time: In 1970 I bought a DeArmond pickup for my Epiphone Texan, got hold of a home-made amp and started to play jug band music and jazz in a Bayswater pub. The lure of improvisation, playing in a band, mixing with the likes of Diz Disley and Laurie Denise - and getting paid for playing (£2 each and a free pint) was too much to resist!