A few perhaps peripheral thoughts....
Bill Clinton said it depends on what the meaning of is is

I've listened to country off and on since the late 50's and I'm not sure I can adequately define what it was at any time point. Anybody remember the strings in some of Patsy Cline's productions? The country crooners (Eddie Arnold, et al)? Owen Bradley's productions? This discussion could have taken place 50 years ago.
Recently Americana has outsold country. Why? IMO because it has become a haven for roots rock, many styles of country, singer/songwriters and the blues. I think this is a watershed moment for country. Previously when it "evolved" a large portion of its audience went along and new ones were gained. I feel that today's "bro country" has created a backlash - more so than prior evolutions. But I'm one of the aforementioned old pharts.
Bud