"that lyrics should be of number one importance,so they must be audible above accompaniment.
"

Completely agree with that. Bloody 'ell I'd get a right mouthful if I drowned out my missus! WhatI try to do is complement her voice!

"to suggest that anybody - singer, instrumentalist, is above criticism an that the average listener has no right to comment on what he or she listens to is a sure-fire way of creating an ivory-tower elite which would kill any music"

Err, I wasn't suggesting that. People like what they like. In the end, when we are all gone, it's the opinions of those left to listen and perform that will matter. Whatever legagcy we may leave them, they will squandor or invest it as they wish. Those of us who, like me, were brought up in the shadow of WW2, are comfortable with a more austere approach to many aspects of life that would be unacceptable to our children and grandchildren. It will be the same with their music - some may take the time to appreciate the Proustian length and complexity of a long ballad but, I suapect, far more will go for a more immediate and accessible approach. Wouldn't it be great to be able to come back in 50 years or so and see what they have made of it?