I am sorry to hear of past problems but as a more recent member I am unaware of such problems which, presumably have now been resolved
I was also unaware of a virtual Mudcat Tavern
I certainly can't find any information about it in the New Members Guide
The reason I joined Mudcat is that I am folkie to the heart and that means I attend "real" folk clubs and singarounds, sing "real" folk songs and drink "real" beer