Hi Richard,
I have Archer Taylor and read it some years back. I haven't time to reread it now but it would be helpful perhaps to all here if you could summarise his theory that the movement was from Britain to Scandinavia. If it is because of a change of status in the personnel that is a very flimsy theory.

I interpret Bronson's comment as non-commital. He says 'Archer Taylor has argued convincingly', but he doesn't actually say he was convinced!

I think Richie will be in a better position to offer an opinion when he has examined all of the extant versions.

Personally, and I'm aware of my reputation, I think the British and therefore American versions of Child 13 and other related ballads have no great age to them. However, I'd love to be proved wrong.