The album has been well received by critics. Simon Jones of "fRoots" gave a positive review of the album, saying "there can be no one direct approach taken to describe the constantly evolving music of the Peatbog Faeries, its very nature is polyglot and that disparate collection of philosophies makes them the perfect band for 2007. In a time when we have to move beyond silly categories and vague labels, which by very definition can no longer apply – unless you’re stuck in a time warp – fusion is the only term that makes real sense. If anything, What Men Deserve to Lose (a quote from writer Derek Cooper) moves out further into the big, blue beyond, still latching on to island roots yet in a mood of glorious experiment". Chris Nickson of Allmusic was also positive, saying, after noting the many instruments used on the album, "the result is that they combine ancient and modern in very effective proportions, and aren't afraid of heavy touches of electricity, like Tom Salter's raucous guitar work on "The Invergarry Blues." They've gradually conjured up their own space". Dave Beeby of "The Living Tradition" was favourable, saying "this is dance music at its best, driving rhythms and all that, whilst being a really good listen. They haven’t sat back on the success of their previous CD, but have strengthened even more."