Sounds like the main events were well supported and possibly oversubscribed at times - I know not.

I only write to comment on the "fringe".

My experience of visiting the Fleece on one afternoon, was to hear Fields of Athenry - in the conservatory part, in the adjoining room was a rendition of House of the Rising Sun , and in the small front room when I finally counted my blessings at getting a seat , the next singer sang Boy named Sue.
Each one to their own I suppose, and the Fest is not responsible for the "fringe" and the music it attracts.

I guess they all were enjoying themselves but ....

Fortunately, before reaching the Fleece I had the last hour or so at Mick Haywood's singaround in the Friendship - which was more like the songs which I had hoped to hear.