Janie, I think the answer lies in seeing folk music in a larger context. It is the well-spring
from which many forms of music emerge, jazz, classical, pop etc.

Narrowing its role in counter to understanding what it is.

There is no reason why people with varying tastes in music can't contribute to the understanding of folk music.

In folk, you can't go beyond traditional without appreciating and understanding what traditional is. But it has been the framework for many creative musicians to develop their music. And it will be for time to come.