The importance of proper set-up

For many of the readers of this forum, this may seem obvious. Certainly, had I read this even a week ago, I would have scanned it with only marginal interest. I have owned a VPI Aries 2 for about 2-3 years. I am using a Transfiguration Temper W. Over the years, I have adjusted the VTA/VTF settings. This was a slow evolution. Each adjustment brought improvement. However, what at first seemed like a fix or cure, proved over time to still be lacking. Initially, I thought the sound somewhat strident or etched. I thought, at least in comparison to cd, the bass was lacking. So, I dropped the arm back slightly, each time being sure to re-check the VTF. I use the Shure SFG-2. Almost invariably, the VTF will have changed with each adjustment. While some people might think I was fooling myself into thinking I heard not too subtle differences with each adjustment, I can only tell you, to my ear, the differences were unmistakable. The funny thing is, and the reason that I felt compelled to share this anectode is that each time I would adjust the table, I would think I "nailed it", the perfect balance of treble, bass, and midrange, while preserving all the ambient soundstage and layering I had previously heard. Now, mind you, certain records would sound better on certain settings, while others I recalled sounding better on earlier settings. For instance, a record which had a deep, rich low end, might sound better with the cartridge tipped up slightly to reinforce the top end. It was only after playing literally dozens of records that I began to formulate an opinion, one way or another as to whether the sound was too thin, or the bass too exxagerated at the expense of air and separation between the players. That would cause me to make yet further refinements. However, whether by luck or just perserverence, I have now stumbled on a setting that has revealed so much of the midband that was previously obscured, it is downright spooky. Those who love analog know that the music lives and breaths in the midband. I don't know whether its the table, the arm (10.5), the releveling of the table, or just catching the perfect rake angle, but after more than 2 years, I am finally enjoying the true virtues of my rig.
My purpose in writing is to suggest that even if you think you have your table set to perfection, if you haven't experimented with other settings, i.e. haven't tipped the sylus up or down slightly, haven't tried to add a tad more weight to the arm, haven't levelled the table precisely, you may not be enjoying the full benefit of your investment. Yes, it is tedius, but let me assure you, the rewards are well worth the effort.