Don, I spent a lot of time in the Middle Bar at the Anchor, somewhat less in the Bedford (only because I had an 11pm curfew to get back out to Sidbury every night). No need to be disgusted as they were largely jam-packed, and we do all appreciate hugely what the Pyne family do for Sidmouth Folkweek.
What some of did find about the the main bar in the Bedford was that at times some of the listening etiquette had totally flown out the windows, and that does need to be addressed and some degree of respect for other session members doing their wee turn brought back: singers were often in the minority and struggled to be heard as the chat (not just from those congregated at the bar), rose to insuperable levels.
So some did vote with their feet and go to other places where people would actually listen (whether to a tune or a song).