It is sad of course that many people stopped going to folk clubs as they did not represent the ideal of the person concerned. As many folk clubs, including the ones I was involved in running, had a commercial aspect to them in order to book artists some weeks, then you could say that the piper calls the tune.

Does that mean that they are not folk clubs or that folk clubs evolve?

Depends on where you are coming from.

Just as an aside, regarding Jim Carroll and I both referring to Ewan McColl and his views. I once interviewed him for a radio documentary where I explored his sometimes intransigent views, (which strengthened with age,) and I asked him about two names, two geographical roots and how that affects his take on promoting indigenous expression through song. He basically said that he is a performing artiste and that requires a chameleon approach. My respect for him grew through that comment. (Politicians take note!)