I don't want to critique your discussion, most of which I agree with, but some I do not. I would say that any attempt to discuss the perception, measurement, or design of a LF system without discussing the room is pointless - unless the room is of a large theater size or outdoors. In small rooms the speakers and the room are one thing at LF's. Some response irregularities at LF in rooms are minimum pahse, but some are not. What I keep saying is that for small rooms if one uses a lot of LF sources spread arround the room - a well designed room I hope - then there will not be a problem with peaks and dips and nonminimum phase or EQ. The response will be smooth everywhere.

I have used multiple LF drivers for many years now and won't use anything else. This approach is not really practical in all situations, and then one has to make adjustments, but if it is doable then it should be done. I'd much rather have five lower cost woofers than one super-sub.

As far as the orignal post goes, I don't think that you can seperate the perceived bass from the entire system. Electronic bass has a lot of higher harmonics that add to the "punch" of the sound. Mesiingthese up with a poor midrange and you will have a poor perception of the associated LF signal. Audio is a single percption of an acoustic event. All associated factors are relevent. SO even higher frequencies can influence the perception of LF's.

Just some thoughts.