There are lots of analog lovers here - and even some "analog purists" I suspect - but we do have a lot of digital lovers here as well. But even our most ardent analog enthusiasts here are mostly vinyl guys. I think we all respect the idea proposed by the "tape project" folks, but I think most of us find it a little too restrictive of source material.

Anyway, the tape-only topic isn't even really what you've brought up here - You're more interested in how the source was originally recorded and mastered, I think, yes? That's a step removed from the "only one transfer copy" issue, although they're similar issues and closely related. So that's why I think the folks on the tape project side may know the answer to your question.