Thank you for all of your comments. Special thanks to Malcom who got the gist of my question ;-)

I simply thought it interesting to read your comments on that specific statement by Karpeles because many of you are musicians/song-writers/as familiar with the topic as you can get. Of course I am aware that this is/was a much-discussed topic on this forum.

I am studying British Cultural Studies so my interest is primarily an academic one. I came across Karpeles' statement while researching for an examination which will be about the folk revival. I guess many musicians don't think much of that kind of approach to their music. But I am and will always be fascinated with folk music and its historical, social/sociological background.

Cheers Ina