What is good about the medieval?

I am exploring the text describing what the conference is about.




So what was it about the medieval period that is attractive? I keep coming across objections from academics to what is happening recently. A Guardian report on JISC discussions includes

But universities' reliance on public funding, which comes with restrictions on how the money is spent, can stifle innovation and creativity. "If you want to raise participation and accept government subsidies, you've got to accept that it is a poisoned chalice," said one participant.


So when was this time that there was no public funding and no outside pressure? What was it like? Is it continued?