Vic, depends how you define bad, in the sixties they were not bad in one sense they did not need music stands and words so interaction with the audience was[IMO] better.
Is the music about high performance of technique instrumentally, no it is not, some of the high technique instrumentalists,sound on occasions jaded or bored and on occasions do not interact with an audience.
IF I listen to PADDY IN THE SMOKE I hear the sound of musicians enjoying them selves, What hear is I enthusiastic enjoyment of music making, i do not hear musicians who are doing yet another gig who are doing it because its their living and it has become just another gig, which can occasionally happen to every professional musician.
technique for technique sake is a cul de sac, good technique is useful only if it helps the performer express his musical,emotions better .
Ewan by introducng vocal exercises was attempting to enable the singer to be as best prepared ,so that they could do justice to the
song, it is not dissimiliar to professor alexander and his performing techniques