This thread seems to assume that anyone would play any type of folk music for commercial reasons. I don't actually know anyone who says, "I want to get rich. I think I'll play folk music." The real situation is that everyone who plays folk music plays it because they love it, and they play it however they want to. Their playing style is informed by the society they live in. Which is a very traditional way to play .
   mostly true, but not entirely, however some start off playing the music because they love it, then when they realise how difficult it is financially, and if they get the opportunity, they become prepared to compromise artistically, i am sure the kingston trio would have preferred not to have the do wahs in the back ground, but were persuaded to do so by the record producer.