This thread is now going round in circles. I rather admire Mr Reds mischeivous start:

is this a trend, a backlash, a divide?

It is plainly none of those things. Some people love events without PA and some love like them with. PA's have been in use for decades, it is the accepted way to provide balanced sound in big venues. There's nothing new and if you don't like amplification no one is forcing you to attend an event where it is used. It's your choice, but it will restrict the number of events you attend. I enjoy both and so I'm happy in either environment. The two most vehement PA protestors on this thread will obviously avoid festivals using PA. I will miss Mr Red at Warwick and Bromyard. Graham Bradshaw provides the PA at both of these festivals, as he does for Shrewsbury. Graham will testify that I have never asked him to turn the wick up at Shrewsbury. I leave the sound to one of the best engineers in the folk world.

So lets drop this subject and get on with enjoying what we choose to enjoy without subjecting those who have different views to insult and derision.

I hope Danensis found his "Alternative to Shrewsbury" he is going to need it.

All the Best

Alan