I think Masters of war is a good song, the tune is also taken from the tradition [was it taken from Jean Ritchies family tradtion?]. Bob dylans dream is a crap song[ imo] but he took the tune from the tradition again[ croppy boy/ lord franklin]
I understand why MacColl did what he thought was right, and it meant that the british reperttoire was strengthened, however I see no fault in singing Guthries songs, preferably in ones own accent, but better that they are sung than not sung at all.