Countess
One thing I do agree on is that the artists should be able to sing and play their instruments. For listeners, there is nothing worse than hearing somebody who plainly can't do either.
As to what they sing, well that is up to them. The audience needs to go home happy.
Last week I had 10 artists on (a lot I know)but we kept a tight time schedule and it worked. I have not heard any adverse comments from artists or listeners.
Having said that, singrounds perform a necesary function in the folk world. It allows everybody to have a go. Without that, there are a lot of people who today are very good, who would not have made it.
I think the people who run the folk clubs have to decide for themselves how it should be run, and stick to it. There is room for everybody.
Oh yes, everybody has the choice of not going to a folk club if it is not what they like, but please please, do not criticise. Everybody is doing their best whatever level that may be. Everybody needs to be encouraged whatever level they are at.