The case against: they lack dynamics- they play at the same volume throughout. Expression has to be achieved by other means. This also makes them slightly dodgy for dancing, as players sometimes vary the duration of notes subtly for emphasis, but ideal for tunes as pure entertainment, which is how (in my limited experience) they are mostly used. For the defence: Fabulous sound, drones to hyarmosnise with or dissonate against, regulators likewise, a best-part-of-two-octave compass with alternative fingerings for the tune note, a green bag with gold braid round the edges. It's that last that clinches it for me.
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