Yes Dave, I spotted the Bandoggs fragment too, and they did do just the one great LP. They only got together because they were all on the same label [Leader and Trailer] and were sitting around with no gigs !
So far as Big Al's comments are concerned my reference to Carthy was in respect of his generosity of spirit and humility, not his repertoire, style or 'deconstruction' of anything. It's also 15 years since he recorded Heartbreak Hotel !! Give the guy a break !
I'm puzzled by the 'apothegm' bit, there's a lot of things I don't understand for sure, but I think after 40+ years of performing and listening I am starting to 'get' English folk music a bit. Do you mean 'apotheosis' ? If so, I agree and MC would, too.
Al, I agree with you on Nic's fiddle playing, he had a lovely touch. I don't know what you're trying to say with the other stuff.