you can now read arguments on this forum that seeking to raise standards is detrimental to the club scene as they putt the lesser-talented off

Well, we've raised this spectre before, Jim, in one way or another. I don't believe that most people on this forum really believe that raising standards is detrimental. The argument, IMO, appears to revolve around how to encourage people to be better and more focused without being authoritarian.

One point which has been raised earlier by Dick is that, in the '60s, the standards in most folk clubs - by todays standards in some folk clubs - were very high. I can't recall, for example, anyone ever bringing in, much less using, music stands and folders in clubs in those days. It was a very competitive and crowded scene and, if you didn't shape up, you just didn't get a spot.

If my recollection is correct - and I stand humbled if not - then what and where were the poor standards that MacColl was aiming to raise? And by what standard did he judge? The programme didn't touch on this.