Well it might be so for unaccompanied singers, a big step back. But decent instruments don't buy themselves. no one makes a fortune, but some slight remuneration for doing a gig doesn't seem unreasonable to me.

God alone knows how squeezebox players get together eight and fifteen grand for concertinas.

Its this view of being the alpha and omega of folk music, and being so tetchy with it that makes one feel at odds all the bloody time. No one can say anything right, except, I agree.