Mavis.
Couldn't agree with you more re Morris dancing.
The problem with peoples attitudes to the music.."It's alright, It's only Folk Music!" is also part of the musics charm and accessibility.
I started playing 30 years ago, because I was allowed to, indeed welcomed by the clubs that I attended then.
In essence, Folk Music is for everyone, good or bad...and therein lies its problem.
But, do we really want the super slick polished performances all the time? All well and good, and I'm as big a fan of your Carthys, Gaughans...etc, etc as the next man.
I also love hearing unpolished, amateur performers as well.
The Media would never know how to deal with those performers...
Mmmm...must go away now and think about it a bit more!
Yes we want more...but...Do we really??
Regards Ralphie (Sound of worm tin opening!)