"What I find really distressing is the folk establishment....
What sort of mechanism do they use to control folk music? "

Naked power and ruthless exploiitation of the intellectually weak!

"But here's where generosity, rather than hard-hearted commercialism kicks in- we're among friends and that's the essence of a good club. It includes, it supports, it shares. Finding a formula which ensures these is where this thread is usefully heading- good stuff!"

hear! hear!