If your ideas are unworkable, then it will show up in the speaker when you build it. That's what everyone faces when they build a new speaker design from a new concept. If it works, that proves the concept. If it doesn't, then that may prove the concept to be unviable, but even then, it may also just mean that some adjustments are in order.

I think I know at least one of the "talking heads" you're referring to. He is a bit of a blowhard, and yet people look up to him. I've measured his designs. They suck. I can't believe people would accept their performance level, completely unacceptable in my opinion. Even compared with other low-cost DIY speakers, his products fare poorly.

So if someone like that critiqued your ideas unfavorably, that says nothing. It's like having a guy that is sure the world is flat beat you up about your idea that it is round. There are lots of guys like that in audio, so keep your chin up and stop throwing away your designs unless you've tested them and found them to be unsatisfactory. Don't let some quacks beat you down.