Jerry, I don't think that most songwriters write to make money.
Cole Porter didn't need any money and couldn't get a show on Broadway until Kiss Me Kate but it wasn't for not trying hard.

My point is, it doesn't matter the style, era, or genre of song.
Songwriters write because they love it first. It's a great form of therapy, communication, or wanting to get a story or character down "right".

I agree that all kinds of songs are valuable. I love the "Teeny Weeny Polkadot Bikeenies" as much as Stephen Sondheim but in a different way. They are all important songs to be studied and this knowledge is grist for the songwriter's mill.

I think of the rock song, pop song, folk song, show song, dance song (ala funk and disco) as all part of an important art form that defines our culture and history. There is no cutoff point that says we have to confine our tastes to one style or time. I say appreciate them all and then go and write your own songs for love first.. Then in some cases the money follows.

Frank Hamilton