Huckleberry,
My guess as to why some of the "who's who" are not talking has to do with the politically charged nature of this debate. When you earn part of your living from trad folks, you stand to alienate yourself from either the self described "purists" or the "big tent" guys by taking one side or the other.
As for me, I am who I am. I have my own beliefs as dose everyone hear, yet I respect the beliefs of others...even when I think they are a little misguided
. I continue to agree with GEREP point for point. I commend you for clearly stating and supporting your beliefs. I continue to see some of the same old "we're better than them" mentality which saddens me for our sport. Some, I believe, do things simply so they can feel a little superior than another. It's human nature, I guess, but unfortunate.
I guess, in the end, this will be a debate often argued, but never settled. There will always be strong opinions on both sides. The best that we can do is respect one another's choices and beliefs, and live as good stewards and examples of our sport. Best wishes to everyone who participated in this discussion.