"and I have heard females express the opinion that there's something about morris done well by fit young men that creates an excitement that just doesn't happen with women doing it. "

absolutely agree. I love dancing morris and think there's room for everybody to do it whatever way they can, but if I'm in the audience then I'd rather watch a fit men only side than a women's side however good. Sides which currently spring to mind for cotswold are Dog Rose, Hammersmith, and Bristol...
....but I'd rather watch a good women's team or a good mixed team than a half arsed bunch of fat old men ambling around & not getting off the ground, naming no names :)