Thanks for the responses.

My first post was maybe a little bit harsh but I enjoy playing The Devil's advocate from time to time to see what sort of reaction I get.

I agree that, on the whole, they are probably a good thing and many people like to have a "sense of community". I'm actually more of an individual myself but, hopefully, not too selfish(At least not in Thatcher's "no such thing as society" sense).

I'm still not sure of the reasons why these have become so popular though and I do have some reservations about them.
Many of these choirs are very good and the product can sound very slick. However, I'm often not very keen of much of the repertoire and some of the arrangements which, in many cases is overdone.
Of course, every choir and music group is different, and there will always be good or bad. Some tutors are also naturally talented and creative while others merely "mimic" and rehash much of the same nonsense they've only just recently learned themselves at some "singy" workshop or other.

I guess I'm not over keen on "group work" and find this a bit stifling as far as individual expression and creativity is concerned.
Of course, there's nothing wrong with individual musicians and singers forming a group with like minded people or having such a group assist them musically, i.e. backing, accompaniment etc.
It's being taught a piece of music or song with specific arrangements and being made to do it the "group way".

However, as has often been said, if one doesn't like it he/she doesn't need to get involved.
:-)