Bang on Manus, I posted earlier that with words to effect, theres a better scene within the confines of your own home, conversing with like minded soul fans who buy what they like which as you state can cover most soulful genres, example being my good man Tomo from Boro who has ticked the "like" box on your post has just sent me a Johnnie Taylor CD which he has compiled himself, theres only 4 out of 21 tracks I know, they are of all tempo,s and different production but they are all beauties which will prompt me to look for and purchase what I can, eleviates the political and egotistical bollocks, nothing to live up to, just enjoying and attaining bloody good soul records. Think also the guys who indulge in the sessions you mention around the doors and still go to venues feel they don,t have to fit in to or go along with whatevers meant to be hip, they just want to hear soul, whatever the genre
Kev