At the risk of sound pathetic, don't give up, Nigel. I know that those of us who argue for some degree of pride and professionalism will always be shouted at by the "it's folk, so who cares" brigade, but it's a point that needs to be made, however unpopular it makes us.
Agreed, folk clubs are a small part of the traditional music scene and declining in relevance to many, but they can be inspiring places, incubators of talent and positively welcoming to younger performers and newcomers - Sharp's in London is a prime example.
Anyway, on another tack, it's good to see that Bellowhead are to play one of the Proms this year, which will be broadcast live on R3 (the dirty sellouts - how dare they!).