Don, you're right when you say that Conrad is trying to find a justification for his behaviour. However he is highly selective in what parts of the "folk experience" he wants to enjoy.

The reality is that the eating and drinking he considers to be an inseparable part of the "folk experience" was something the "peasants" he identifies with would have experienced only a few times a year - at the Harvest Feast, at Christmas, and perhaps two or three other seasonal celebrations. The rest of the time, the picture painted by Flora Thompson is more accurate, with hard-up men trying to eke out their half-pints to last the evening.

As for food, their diet would have been limited and monotonous (no fries then, but at least Conrad wouldn't have to complain about the price), and they would have eaten at home rather than in the pub.

Then there's the work (remember work, Conrad?) - hard physical labour, outdoors in all weathers, for low pay.

Of course, no health care, and amateur dentistry. Anyone for rickets?

No transport - to get anywhere you'd have to walk (better get rid of those cars, Conrad)

The simple fact is that life for the people who would once have been "peasants" has changed dramatically, and mostly for the better. It is at least in part due to these changes that most of the "peasants" no longer feel the need to enjoy the "folk experience" and turn to mass-produced entertainment. Folk music is now enjoyed in a very different environment and in a very different context.

Conrad's biggest mistake is to believe that his drunken and obnoxious behaviour would have been any more acceptable to his "peasants" than it is today. All the accounts indicate that whilst the occasional over-indulgence may have been overlooked, persistent heavy drinking was strongly disapproved of.