From what I can tell, the event last week was largely about the work of others, rather than Sam Lee's collecting. Sam Lee makes a lot of claims for his own "collecting" work that are, as far as I can see, completely unsubstantiated.

You are right! Sam had arranged a programme that 'was largely about the work of others'. Why should it be only about Sam's work? Sam was enthusiastic in introducing his guest speakers and effusive in his praise of their work in thanking them at the end. The morning session over-ran and lunch was late, so Sam cut his own prepared presentation which was the first thing in the afternoon programme so that the other guest speakers would have their full allocated time. In fact I don't think that Sam's collecting work was mentioned once on Sunday. It was a meeting of the Song Collectors Co-operative, not the Sam Lee Fan Club.
I must agree with what Steve Gardham says about the importance of Peter Kennedy's work even if we question his methods. A study of important folk song collectors will show that they all bring an agenda with them to their work - political, musical, socio-political etc. Many have been severely criticised as a result but as Steve says "most of us are still grateful...."

Our anonymous GUEST seems to be bearing a grudge against Sam. To me this seems to be unhelpful.