I'm tempted to snort at this as all angels-on-a-pinhead stuff. Which is basically how I feel about it. What we learn, really, is that no two people have quite the same tastes, or the same influences.

For example, I disagree with the conclusion of Misophist's rather well-reasoned argument that the sound of an acoustic guitar is somehow superior due to subtle tonal shades. This is theoretically true but getting those extra tonal colours is achieved only at the highest level of musicianship. Most casual acoustic guitar players kind of thrash at it. For my money, the best electric guitarists are those who can use the different ratio of power vs subtlety to create a completely controlled and distinctive tone. Such as Clapton, Duane Allman, B.B. King, Mark Knopfler, and the more obscure Randy California (from the 60's band Spirit). I'd sit on broken glass to listen to any of them play in a club, the smaller the room the better! And I'd certainly do the same to hear Segovia, Leo Kottke, Doc Watson or J.P. Cormier. (Yes, I know who's dead in those lists) FTR I play 99% acoustic guitar myself, generally plugged in when performing...unless its unnecessary. And I wish I had more chances to see great acoustic players up close and undigitized...but I get a thrill out of any great musician's performance.

Ultimately, musicianship has everything to do with the player, and the medium is secondary. That's my opinion anyway, which of course is the ultimate arbiter... (joke).

Whether Vivaldi played on spoons, kazoo and melodica belongs in the Baroque section of the music store, or the Assorted Folk bin, is a problem for the CD store manager. Let's hear it for cross-referencing. Categorizing music is about marketing. (Vivaldi didn't make any recordings or use microphones, so by your definition that rules out baroque music as being authentic when recorded). You are correct Freightdawg, it ain't quite the same "product", but how do you square your tastes in a certain style of folk music--which is non-commercial by definition--with all that marketing terminology?   

It ain't the medium it's the mojo...

Regards
Willie-O
(in Canada, a grand country indeed and thanks for the compliment)