Hi Fatparrot.
"...that only a minor improvement will result." I don't think such a definitive statement can be made. Change "will" to "may" and I think that expresses some folks experience but certainly not everyone's. Lots of variables involved also. Whether a cable, regardless of cost, "sounds" good or not, there are some cables that are designed pretty poorly from an electrical standpoint. These cables will probably fit in the "minor" category...says me anyway. Also, minor, when it comes to audio enthusiasts, is a relative term. I've heard the difference to be substantial and I've heard the difference to be minor in different systems but, though the differences were apparent, they were relative to my values. I'm also of the opinion that if I can positively (or, God forbid, negatively) affect enough small details, the whole will be greater than the sum of the parts.
I don't believe the type of carpet will be the determining factor on what kind of performance improvements one might expect. We've had our system on wood floors and now concrete floors. Both floors had a Berber type carpet installed and the gains of lifting the cabling off the floor, I/Cs, S/Cs, and P/Cs, were substantial enough that I wouldn't want to do without. Mind you also that it can't be said that it was gear related because a host of gear sees duty here.
It's probably not fair to say one can expect a level of improvement on par with swapping out a decent piece of electronics for a $$$$$ megabuck state of the art piece of gear but they are worth the minimal investment. As for Ridge Street, we've only had one instance where the client didn't benefit worth the investment so that says something of this tweak's effectiveness.
BTW, the "...removing eye glasses" thing I mentioned above? Not a service we offer anymore. The travel expenses incurred to go to a client's residence to remove his/her eye glasses for them made this service too expensive. $549.00 flat rate...can you believe it!? Me either. Um...I jest.
Cheers!
Robert
