Lizzie's last post was somewhat disingenuous, it is the title of the thread which has resulted in the arguments, not her initial comment.
As for the 1954 definition it may be more productive to consider an up to date view as expressed by the ICTM in its aims
"International Council for Traditional Music
The aims of the ICTM are to further the study, practice, documentation, preservation and dissemination of traditional music, including folk, popular, classical and urban music, and dance of all countries."