JeffB-
Why do some folks insist on attaching a value judgment to definitions like "ballad"? Yes, "Leader of the Pack" is garbage. So what? It still tells a story, regardless of the banality of the narrative.

Further, it appears that Child's distinction between "Popular" ballads and "Broadside" ballads depends to a great extent upon our ignorance of origins..an ignorance that is gradually being dispelled.