One thing no one seems prepared to acknowledge so far in this discussion is that sometime arrogance and ego can take over a session. This can happen at tune, song or mixed sessions, but I have most encountered it at tune sessions or those where tunes are predominant.

Having said that, I have to say the the mostly song session I attend every week when I am not at a festival is very inclusive. We go around the room in turn, we encourage newcomers to join in, without putting on pressure, we welcome all who attend. We do allow "words" to be used, because all have to start somewhere and sometimes new singers need that safety net.

As a result, there are a number of newish, good singers, performing in a local pub, who would otherwise just be singing to themselves at home. Now others can enjoy them and they have gained so much from it as well.