Les, I agree with much of what you say. As to me being unpleasant, I resent that.I certainly didn't use invective on this thread.
As to limited experience, I have done over 2000 folk club gigs so I too can tell it like it is, and I think this gives me some credibility.
I have never understood why people like the countess are so vicious and bilious about music or some of the people who try to make it.
No journalist worth anything at all should be as cliche ridden as the countess. "Snigger snogwriters" is just as crass as "finger in the ear" "arran sweater" etc that we hear so much of from those ignorant of the marvellous music and song the diverse world of English folk clubs offers.
And no matter what else she writes, that's my final word on this topic.