SPC-Cooperator,

I don't see anything wrong with Version B. It accords with a standard-length chanty form. Hugill gives the melody. What information is missing?

It's the 'A' version that adds an extra piece that, I would suggest, makes it unusual—even if that method has been handed down as more familiar. Now, See Hugill Version D, which adds TWO extra pieces to the start. "A-Rovin" familiar/ Version A is out of step with the vast vast majority of chanties. That may be because it didn't quite belong to the genre's core. Yet the Version B brings it into alignment with the genre.

I haven't seen any evidence that "shanties would often start with an introductory half-stanza." Often? What besides some printings of "Lowlands" do that? (Besides, that is 3/4 of the stanza!) I mean, you could put faith in believing Hugill experienced that "often" happening, without evidence, but I prefer to look at all the other evidence and take it as one of those random things Hugill just wrote. As such not convinced of that, I see no reason to use it to explain this "Version B." And besides, Version B does not begin with a half stanza. It begins PROPERLY at the start of the couplet.