Speaking for myself, it's all about what I hear. Usually, I already know the price. But not always. The "specs" doesn't really matter.
Many would agree with you about "specs" not mattering to them. Many others feel differently. Whatever works for you. Sadly, there are many small minded people who can't accept that their opinions on the matter are unimportant to a great many.
A manufacture that prints less than or poor specs is either brutally honest and or lacking marketing savvy.
Or maybe they believe all those who say "specs don't matter."