"The other end are the amateurs who in many cases are just as good if not better than those mentioned above"
That is a matter of your personal taste, Ray.
Those people who have done it for a living for many years, have helped to keep the Folk clubs going by being available full time, very often not earning very much, meanwhile those with well paid jobs have been able to attend clubs and have had the privilege of hearing quality music at a price that is ludicrously cheap compared to Classical Music Concerts.
"It is really question of mind set, but the newcomers to the professional ranks are being given a fair go if they have the talents being sought"
No it is not, this is once again just your opinion, how do you know that all newcomers are being given a fair go, you cannot possibly have any more idea of what is happening on a national scale, than I have, even though as I travel across folk clubs in the uk on a national basis,I would not set myself up would as an authority.
Sorry Ray, you are a nice guy and a good singer, but in my opinion you are talking poppycock.