Les, I guess that may be the case with the 5 string styles of playing. As with the mandolin, 6/8 is easy on the tenor banjo. Is the tenor ever used in old-time playing?

I don't know much about old time playing but I'd imagine it often involves fiddles and 5 string banjos playing together. If 6/8 is hard for the banjo players and the music is essentailly social music for alll to play along to, it could have an effect of limiting the repertoire for all involved.

Jon