This may be off in another direction completely but, (IMO). there is a correlation here to the current subject above.
When manufacturers of lps or equipment exclaim their product is the best or from the original master tapes and the best sounding ever and we then purchase that product, and get a different result, what drives our opinion of them from that point on? What effect does it take? Do you not buy from said manufacturer again. Will you never even look/read an advertisement from said manufacturer in the future?
I can only assume that they, (in the context of their systems), have concluded their positive, aforementioned, stated opinion. I'm sure, at some point, we've purchased a product based on the manufacturer's opinion of said product. Or...after researching a specific product that one thinks may be in their top two or three components they wish to evaluate and subsequently go out to audition. Then, based on that audition, (in the context of that dealer's system), the component is then purchased and when inserted into the buyer's system, and it doesn't meet the buyer's standards, does the buyer stop all further contact with that particular dealer/manufacturer. (These dealers/manufacturers are confident in their opinions in the context of their individual systems). Does this somehow make that dealer/manufacturer irrelevant from that point on, even though the dealer has said it's the best sounding product that he's heard or the best match for your system's needs based on the info you've given him? Does the manufacturer suddenly find that no form of advertising will be available to them, ever? Do reviewers suddenly make a pact that they will no longer review any product made buy this specific manufacturer from that point on?
What I've done is the same thing, it seems to me, except for the fact that I am not trying to sell anything. I'm trying to put out information that others can hopefully use based on my extensive posts, passion, experience and the fact that I've made my system available so one can actually see for themselves from where I draw my opinions. That system (is) my reference. I'm as confident with how my system sounds as are the above, in all of the scenarios laid out above. Without confidence, there really is not much else other than meaningless talk.