I've been on the edge of the 'folk' scene for many years & an infrequent visitor to the clubs so can't comment on the subject of the thread- I'M ALSO against all the attempts to define 'what is folk?'- it's really pointless, iMHO
I've played GD melodeon for 55 years, initially for barn dances in NE England, but never had any hangups about folk/pop/ distinctions. It doesn't mean I've forgotton that early exposure to the 'tradition', and songs and tunes picked up in those days are still very much in my repertoire, but mixed with the old 'pop' songs so denigrated by some people, although I've always found folk clubs pretty accepting of this attitude.

I make NO apology for playing & singing my own versions of songs by such as the Everly Brothers, Sam Cooke, Bing Crosby, Charlie Poole, Bonnie Tyler & Dr Hook, alongside more 'trad' stuff. It may not fit the pointless category of 'folk' music but it's very acceptable when I play in pubs, clubs, anniversary & village Christmas parties, where music is an important part of the proceedings.

How can you relate to normal people in a 'fun' Christmas situation WITHOUT playing Jingle Bells, Rudolph or Stop the Cavalry?

the last posts on here have been a vote for tolerance, so maybe there's hope yet?   Forget the hangups & get on with the great enjoyment to be had from the peoples' music.