Are you somehow confusing me with John Leonard or Bob Shennan? I'm simply giving an account of what Smoothops / R2 do, not offering an opinion on it.

Yes, the Folk Awards further the winners' careers. And?

BBC4 has transmitted (many times over) a series outlining the roots of trad music in these islands - Folk Britannia.

No, I am quite sure the BBC doesn't have plans for an Open Conservatoire. The ratings would be off the lower end of the scale.
Where would the budget come from, and to what end? Be realistic.