As I offered on the Ewan thread, a similar situation applies to both of them. I don't think either of them deliberately set out to fool anybody. The problem was their perceived dual identity of performer and scholar by large numbers of people who did not know or care either way. Bert adapted many songs and wrote many album notes and because at the time he had more knowledge than the other performers they accepted what he had to offer at face value. At that time there were very few who had the knowledge to challenge him anyway. By the time scholars came along who could challenge this Bert was gone anyway.

Personally anyone doing serious research would either simply take Bert's words with a pinch of salt, or better still go out there and do the research yourself.

Once again, from an aesthetic and performer's point of view Bert's adaptations were magnificent! I've probably sung many of them, and probably still do.