I have been going to Folklife for the last 25 years.It has indeed become a juggernaut, when the weather is good the crowds are almost unbearable.
I think however that those who complain miss the big picture entirely.
I travel from Vancouver BC where there is nothing remotely similar
(including the Vancouver Folk Festival)and each year I am totally amazed at the numbers and talents of the young people that I see playing music all over the site.Ragtime,jug bands,swing,fiddlers galore
and I suspect that these youngsters first were first exposed to all this
at the free festival right on their doorstep.
Seattle can more than match most other cities in the numbers of great musicians it has produced,and Folklife will ensure that this continues.
Yes it can be difficult, things could probably be improved, but despite this, do not doubt that Folklife is a an absolute treasure.