I have a theory about what you describe. Mind you it's just my own take on it and probably not ascribed to by many I read several audio forums and when you take note of various threads about sound it appears the most vocal and passionate folks are in the sound is everything camp. I think most of the people who are in the good sounding music is more important camp don't spend as much time or money pushing their point of view.I even find myself wanting a piece of vintage gear just because Not that it is the best but simply because it appeals to me in some way. Like now I have this thing that I want to find a Yamaha M-80 or M-85 amp. The M-50 I have sounds great and that's what triggered it I suppose