Er, isn't Fay Heald (Witchs of Elswick) one of the graduates of the folk degree course? Can't say I've noticed any lack of connection or rapport with the audience there.

As for immaturity/preening/ambition/posturing: sounds like any young muso to me, folk degree or not. It comes from spending too much time by yourself concentrating on your instrument. Not just musicians either, come to think of it.