Dick, with respect, you're missing Rob's point.

You're saying quite firmly (and I quote you) that: "folk clubs are still the best way to learn how to perform."

He disagrees with that statement, and so do I. Folk clubs are indeed excellent places to learn how to perform, and certainly fulfilled that role in the much more critical '60s and '70s folk scene. But they are now only one of many musical platforms where performers young and old can test out their skills.