Regarding non-mensural notation; this is not just a mediaeval matter, although nowadays some effort (like using bar lines)is usually made to better indicate the rhythm.

4/4 hornpipes whether "dotted" or not, are written (except by those unfamiliar with the idea) in straight quavers except at the end of a phrase. The performer knows, or is free to choose, just how the notes are proportioned. And my late wife, a vastly more experienced musician than me, once asked me to play from a sheet of music, which I did; but with my classical training I played it exactly as written, thus making a total fool of meself; it was unrecognisable. Until she joined in and I realised it was a well known blues number.

Too many years ago, when I was still a treble, I was taught that plainchant should have the same rhythm as speech. This turns out to be a counsel of perfection, at least for the average singer; and certainly for several singing together, when a certain uniformity of timing becomes essential.