the quest for the best--within limits

Maybe people have finally figured out they've been getting screwed.

I don't think they mean best literally, but are asking for members favorites, to start a short list for exploring.

It is multifactorial but one of the most important contributors is that many Audiophiles cannot audition the gear they can afford. As such they rely on the less likely to have an inherent bias from forum contributors versus the conflict of interest almost all magazine reviewers have to deal with. There just aren't enough Brick and Mortors.

There are so many threads like that because everyone wants the best. Right?

They are lazy. Many of the questions have been asked before. A few strokes of the keyboard will find the answers to many questions asked.