Jmcgrogan2, I know of several reviewers who I think would take exception to your statement that, "reviewers say what they are told to say." There is little question that manufacturers have favorite reviewers and that advertising is the basis of success in free emagazines and in print magazines also. Some manufacturers do feel some obligation to support independent magazines by giving advertising to them.
Quoting from the manufacturers literature is entirely appropriate if it captures what they say underlies, credibly the product's innovation or strength. Often reviewers lack the expertise to really dismiss the sale pitch among the useful statements.
It often is impossible for consumers in our modern economy to hear competing components at all much less under the same circumstances. Frankly, like other reviewers, it is also difficult to really have the opportunity to do an a/b comparison of the top products.
Quoting from the manufacturers literature is entirely appropriate if it captures what they say underlies, credibly the product's innovation or strength. Often reviewers lack the expertise to really dismiss the sale pitch among the useful statements.
It often is impossible for consumers in our modern economy to hear competing components at all much less under the same circumstances. Frankly, like other reviewers, it is also difficult to really have the opportunity to do an a/b comparison of the top products.