OK, admittedly this is loose, and perhaps not well thought out, but it seems to me that: Country music (and musicians) are evaluated primarily by their listening audience.
Classical music, by several generations of listeners, critics, and on the basis of early compositions by the artist.
Jazz, by other players and print critics.
Rock, by a young and generally more emotional audience.
Folk, often by friends, other folkies, family, and in general by people who value "inclusiveness".

I think "we" get off pretty easily as far as criticism goes. A nervous, shy and possibly socially inept person can get on an open stage, and if they can make it through a piece without self-destructing, will often get huge positive strokes ("just for the effort"). I can think of no other music form where this would be the "rule" rather than the rarest exception.

Rick