As far as performance of Folk Song is concerned I think it is now more important to actually perform the song in the way which comes most naturally to the singer.

Unaccompanied song performance permits the singer to move from the straight jacket of musical phrasing (or vary notes within the framework)and use spoken word phrasing also for greater effect and dramatic emphasis.

Elongating or shortening words using stops, and other interjections would make the notation of a song somewhat difficult and necessitate the early collector in collecting not only the first verse/chorus but every verse.

Each verse would be an art form in itself communicating and conveying feelings.

Verses and performance would also change virtually evertime sung depending upon amount of beer drunk and feelings and state of mind of the performer when being collected!