Gotta disagree with you Mouse (or at least present the exceptions that prove the rule). What do you think of Guy Van Duser? There are probably quite a few others like him who use the classical guitar in Bluesey Ragtime ways. Now as far as slide goes....ya got me there, buddy!

Volume? A hell of a lot more classical guitarists played concerts sans microphones during the twenties and thirties than steel string players. Sound patterns change at about the ten foot mark. A classical guitar will be heard at the back of the hall where a steel string will dissipate more quickly.

'course I favour steel stringers!

Rick