IMHO the man's contribution is indisputable. Like every mortal there were faults and there's nothing wrong with discussing the full picture. I think most people here have more or less said that. He and Bert were of their time and neither were academics. Their legacy is there for all to see. As far as the British folk scene goes they were the giants of their time and any faults they may have had surely are greatly outweighed by what they left us.