Why is Leon "down the list"? Because whatever case you could make for Leon you could equally make for any other self-employed person doing a job they clearly find satisfying. OK, you and I may particularly value what Leon does in that job, but that's not the basis for the awards. It's not, nor should it be, an award for "greatist leftist songwriter".Roy has done much to take British folk music, and the culture it represents, to a wider audience in the UK and elsewhere. He has also striven to ensure that music and culture continues to address issues of contemporary concern, rather than becoming a "safe" museum piece.
You might say the Leon deserves to be much more widely known than he is; I would agree. But until or unless that happens I can't see his claim to "official" recognition!
G.