I haven't noticed the trends which you have. Then again, it was only about seven years ago when I discovered that lots of other people besides me like folk music. And women too! I don't have too much interest in preserving folk or traditional songs. I sing them because they're so much more natural for non-professionals to sing and because I like them. I like the idea of encouraging songs that sound good by candlelight or by a fireside, and to me, that means folk.

I expect the woeful things you speak of are part of mainstream culture encroaching into folk culture. Or they could also be the result of mismanagement. When experts receive absolutely no protection from the beginners, year after year, they'll start to get pissed off at the beginners. Usually that sort of thing happens when the management likes holding the event more than participating in the event. ...but actually elbowing dancers. It's a wonder there are no fights.