Coldjam..you have a sensible way of speaking! The American dream that young folks look at in this millenium requires a dedication to make ALOT of money, while the " humble/adequate " lifestyle you speak of could well be a high standard of living for many folks in the world. We have a skewed picture of " success" as delivered in the media and also handed down to us by the upstairs/downstairs class struggles that many generations have moved through.
Folk Music as it is and was never seemed to me to represent for the upper class, however... work done well should be rewarded by a decent fee. Nobody could ever begrudge a decent wage to the hard travelling bands ( i.e. the Battle field Band..The Chieftains, etc)
because they are Excellent musicians and professionals. I would love to see all the fine, talented, hard working, longtime career folkies earning enough to care for themselves, families, and their bodies so that they can retire in good health!
So, whoever you are , coldjam, three cheers for you, too.