I am more interested in discussing the difference between open playing and closed playing and its immediacy or lack of immediacy.
i get the impression that the open style has a strong immediate dynamic effect, and was used outside by travellers busking.
i like them both too.
perhaps a piper could explain the technical differences between open and closed playing,it would be useful info i could pass on to a student who needs to know more about traditional irish styles for a music exam.