Al, folk is a minority interest. That's just a fact of life. If you're suggesting that simply giving more bookings to the bands that you like would have made it a mainstream interest, I think you're deluding yourself.

Within that minority interest, however, I (and many others) have observed (and commented upon) a substantial resurgence in recent years of younger people getting involved, attending festivals and gigs, and generally loving folk music.

Out of interest, which events/festivals have you attended in the last year or so? Because I rather suspect that, before passing judgement, you may need to get out more.