I was intersted by the comment "What is interesting is that, alone among "f*lk-rock" bands, Malicorne, Dransfield (and Mr Fox) recognised the blind alley other bands of the day were backing into by simply plugging in and souping up trad songs with a four-square thump. They were important in that they led the way into creating new material and adding to an existing cultural heritage rather than just reworking it"

Good point well made, but let's not dismiss the pleasure of bands that plugged in and souped up trad songs. Compare the early Albion Band and Morris On albums to the Albion offerings of the 80s and 90s. They created new material all right, but it was dull as hell. Just my opinion, of course. I know some people like post-Swarb Fairport, but it just sounds bland to me