The most intriguing thing about the awards(after the ludicrous Lakeman song classification) is the fact that they are called the BBC Folk Awards(I think), but the "approved list" sent to the panel is stuff played on the Mike Harding show. The Mike Harding show only represents a small proportion of the BBC's folk output: I would imagine serious devotees get a great deal more from Radio 3's Late Junction and Andy Kershaw, and from local programmes.
   Another thought that may not have occurred to everyone. Lots of people are trying to explain certain curious things about thee results, not only the White Hare incident but the fact that people would seem to be nominating live acts they haven't seen, and so on. Now, these things may seem odd, if you assume that the people shortlisted for each category are those that got the most votes. But, and here is the suggestion you might not have thought of: what makes you think the ones with the most votes go through to the final? has anybody told you that happens?