Jim,

I don't think the Lomaxes were in the same position as you. They were collecting for the Library of Congress and being funded. They also produced books of the material much of which carries the following:
"Words and melody adapted and arranged by John A and Alan Lomax" "Piano arrangement by Charles and Ruth Seeger"
That "cottage industry" already existed in the folk scene before you joined.

On the subject of "Love me Tender" don't sing it, just play the old tune "Ora Lee" it's far more satisfying.