that 'real' traditional singers or players are indifferent to key and don't, or won't, read the dots.

My own experience is that seasoned folksingers are flexible and can shift a song from key to key as suits the voices singing it, without a moment's hesitation (or even using a capo!). Sticking to the dots is secondary to the spirit of people making music in folk circles. When you get anal about precisely emulating the key choices made by the authoritative performer of a folk-song you're sliding in to a different game.

A