Over the weekend I listened to my almost 40 year old copy of New Folks. I enjoyed it! Hedy, I think you are being too rough on yourself! And yes, Pretty Polly sounds very much like it's in the gDGCD tuning; your post probably showed up while i was busy writing mine!
Most people that say "modal", I have found, are using that as a synonym for "Dorian mode", forgetting that there are six other modes. . .
Fretless, I gotta try Wine's Delight in that low tuning. As I think through the way I play it (my banjo is twenty miles away0 I don't think I ever use the 4th string, so a low drone would be nice! THANKS in advance.
I remember running into Bill Clifton about 15 years ago at some tropical resort; I had on my Carter Fold T-shirt; I didn't recognize him, but I was wearing a billboard which allowed him to identify himself. I still have his "150 Songs" -- copy pretty battered and well-used by now. I love his singing; you can hear the Carter Family influences