I find this an interesting topic, and have to add my bit.I have often bought festival tickets, despite using them very little.I tend to gravitate towards the fringe as much of it is very informal and can encourage participation, which is what all music, song and dance is about, in my humble opinion.Some of the ticketed entertainment , for me, is a little too passive, and I find greenfield or contained sites a little like a Butlins camp.However, I appreciate that others have different expectations, and not everyone wants to sit in a pub.
What I do find sad is that there are so many people who obviously enjoy and support folk music, yet cannot simply respect different opinions and views, and go and find what suits them best.Why all the animosity?