I guess we are a broad church as regards music. However, I think there is a need for differentiation between folk & some other forms of music here. I agree with the point made about a drummer being an integral part of a jazz or rock band & have no problem with him/her having their few minutes in the spotlight. However, in the folk genre, where the emphasis is on melody or lyrics, it is hard to see where they can contribute very much to the experience by doing a solo.

Come to think of it, with the exception of some wild fiddling, it is hard to think of many folk performances that feature genuine intrumental breaks of any kind. Steeleye Span use it occasionally (the Daemon Lover comes to mind) but as a rule it seems a folk sung is either vocal or instrumental & the twain rarely meet

Dave