"For those of us who sing truth to power, ( not comparing my self to Phil, a hero of mine, ) it is a constant knot in your gut, when you struggle to be heard and for example in my case, you get introduced to the record exec, who tells you, "if I haven't heard your name by the age of 48 ( back then) you aren't marketable, face it you are over the hill." "

Lorcan, I'm afraid you are blurring the lines.   If you are looking toward a "record exec" as a way to get heard, you are barking up the wrong tree.

The market that record companies sell to are under 25 years old.   That market does not respond well to anyone much beyond that age, unless they are established. This isn't a new practice. Frank Sinatra was a teen when he made it big. Even Al Jolson was a teen when he first achieved success.   This is the way it has been, and the way it always will be.

It isn't something to complain about, it is simply a fact and artists can either let that be a roadblock and admit defeat, or they can look for alternate means.   Not every 48 year old songwriter needs to be a performer. If the song is the message, perhaps plugging the songs with other performers is the way to go.

Tastes in popular music change. It has been many years since a ragtime tune topped the charts and calypso doesn't play to massive audiences anymore. You can't force people to listen to music that doesn't reach their generation.   I would bet that rap and hip-hop are not high on many Mudcatters charts either.

Phil Ochs and artists of his generation, as well as most contemporary songwriters HAVE a niche market.   That market can be supportive of what they like.