I'm not a folk club attender so I am uniquely equipped to display the depth of my ignorance (again). Is this a peculiarly UK phenomenon? Our transatlantic friends don't seem to have this problem. Is there no place for an MC or session leader to ensure both sides (and does it have to be opposing sides?) get a fair share of time? Personally, I'm not fond enough of either a capella singing or country dance tunes to want to spend an evening listening to wholy one or the other. I prefer songs with instrumental accompaniment with occasional instrumentals or solo singers.
These anngst-ridden gatherings don't sound much FUN!

RtS
(I'll stick to the jazz, blues & skiffle sessions- sighs of relief from the folk community)