"But like shoddy venues, they will not survive"

Exactly.
Shoddy musicians should be avoided at all costs.

Look, Banjiman, I'm watching complaints given by musicians about the system they work within.
I would sincerely hope that this kind of attitude isn't endemic within the Folk scene.

I'm not criticising those who actually do get their finger out, and judging by the language of your second paragraph, you are not one of those.

But there is a problem out there.
Get annoyed if you must...

B.