what is regarded as conservative, liberal or socialist has morphed over the decades and centuries
describing any political position as "real" conservatism seems to me simply to indicate a relative idealogical position rather than an objective set of facts

While things do change over time, including broad political categories and the definitions of specific words, the basic concepts of left and right, socialism and capitalism, and liberalism and conservatism still apply. Perhaps I should've chosen the word "traditional" instead of "real" in referring to conservatives, because there are varying degrees of conservatism and liberalism, and I certainly don't intend to imply that I'm the sole arbiter of what constitutes either. However, while a given political party might be shifting its general position, that doesn't necessarily constitute a change in conservative ideology itself. "Traditional" conservatives in this country aren't changing, but they are seeing the Republican Party change.

on a personal note i think the assertion that "economic freedom is the key to a healthy democratic society" is dubious when stated as fact

It was stated as my opinion, and that's how it should be taken. Naturally, if I didn't believe it to be true, it would cease to be my opinion. :)

but there is no such thing as a purely unregulated market - pure economic freedom -- no contract law etc no property -- not much economics would take place in such an enviroment

regulation -- law and the stability it provides is a prerequisite...

On that, we agree. There's a difference between capitalism and anarchy, and I want no part of the latter. Regulation of markets and industries is a legitimate and necessary function of government, and capitalism couldn't thrive without it. Direct interference on the part of government is another matter.

...but the optimum level of law and regulation is only provable by time: the success levels of different economic and political models as future and history unfolds is the only judge

Can that judgment be made objectively and accurately? Do we not already have enough history by which to judge modern economic models?

RE: The Conservative Revival - New York Times