"I sing traditional material because I like it". There's your quote. 'Nuff said.

I didn't say that folk music should not be entertaining. If you don't know the difference between that and being mere entertainment you need to think a little more. Indeed that would be one reason why a degree with a performance element is more apt than one that is purely historical.

It does represent the continuation (and evolution and adaptation) of a tradition. That is not contradicted by the fact that many of us maybe exposed to a range of traditions.