Maryff -- what an undertaking!
Maybe we've got lazy here (UK), because the only way you'd be likely to hear that number of ballads would be in a session nominated specifically for these Muckle Sangs, where there would be one song from each singer round the room. The different voices would offer variety, but there might also be other variations in style and approach which could be attractive to the listener. From my own point of view, I would be hoping that all the contributors had put in as much effort as you must have done -- to pick interesting songs in interesting versions, look into their backgrounds and have them at the tip of the tongue!

Jim -- I think I mentioned way back that Gordeanna McCulloch and I are offering a series of three workshops to learn ballads and I must say that we've been delighted with the level of interest so far. Our intention is to encourage less confident singers to tackle some of these songs (with support and advice), but we are also pleased that people who have attended workshops in previous years and who sing elsewhere have chosen to sign up too. As you say, a measure of ongoing interest!