I wonder how many 'folkies' actually organise anything themselves (like a club or a festival). I'm not sure that some 'folkies' are in the real world. For example you don't get many guests priced under £100 (at least who are any good) more often-a lot more (often closer to £300). yet people still moan about paying a realistic door fee. I believe this situation is exacerbated by clubs that run mostly singers nights and charge a low entrance fee then periodically book a guest and still charge a low fee. This means that any club that doesn't work this way and charges a realistic door fee runs into comments like 'that's expensive' 'the club in the next town only charge £2'
This also has the effect of devaluing the guest and makes it sound as though he ain't worth much.
I speak as someone who has run a number of clubs during my 35 years love of folk music. I am also on a pension but I still expect to pay a realistic price for things.