I am totally offended that I am excluded from being a "youngster" because I have exceeded an arbitrary lifespan!

But, to the thread - (and to mention only "folk" here is a bit myopic).
There are pubs and clubs where you will find Sinatra/Elvis imitators, with an appreciative audience of a certain age.
And there are pubs and clubs where you will find McColl/Dylan imitators, with an appreciative audience of a certain age.
And there are pubs and clubs where you will find young people playing or singing new, or reworked music, with a young audience.
Was it ever any different ?

And why are musicians who have spent years learning their trade so looked down on by some "folkies"? Would you sooner your builder had "picked it up from his mates", or your doctor? Or dentist?