I'd hate to go to a classical concert where they didn't have the bit where they warm up and tune up and get settled before they start playing. It's a major part of the drama of the event, it draws you in and builds the excitement. Sometimes it even sounds better than some of what follows...

If that letter gets printed, I bet there'll be other readers writing in to put that contrasting point of view. Which should mean it's more likely to get printed. I think there's an element of trolling involved here, leeneia.

As for Martin Carthy - I remember one time where he came on stage, ran his finger across the strings and looked alarmed. "Bugger me," he said "it doesn't need tuning. I don't know what to do now." Or words to that effect