Do you think audiophiles are the most gullible hobbyists

Quite the opposite. Sure there are those who make buying decisions based upon smoke and mirrors but there are - at least it seems to me - more than the hobby's fair share of skeptics. Most are fair. Some are merciless, others are assassins. From what I read in this and other forums it is one of the best aspects of the hobby. Thank goodness for them. 

Lots of hobbies have snake oil and those that buy into it

Book collectors are the worst, Jerry, the worst!  

OP: With that initial post, looks you are strictly speaking about yourself .

I think there is some truth in that, music is among the most powerful of human triggers.
Nobody ever spent a grand for a new book cover that would make Shakespeare better .