I didn't mean to confuse anyone with the use of the word start--, I only meant to describe the focal point of the mode---it is a little difficult to pick the right words to describe these things, because modes were considered in descending order, not in ascending order, the way we think of scales today--

And you are perfectly right in saying it is reasonable to use modal names to describe folk melodies--it probably isn't unreasonable to assume that there is some relationship, as well--

As to harmonies, my point is simply that harmonies and chords are an innovation of diatonic music, not modal music, although it is certainly possible to add chords and harmonies without compromising the "modal" quality--it is a modern innovation(at least, if you consider the sixteenth century modern)--

Today, MiddleEastern pop bands accompany melodies using classical arabic scales with guitar chords--on using the same principle--

My main objective was to try to clarify the point that "modes" predated the diatonic scale, modern ideas of harmony.and the concept of being able to play different major and minor scales in different keys--