For the most part I have concluded that online discussions of cables as per the OP are fruitless. Everyone sits smugly with their perspective and not often is there a true exchange resulting in action. In all the years I have been here I have seen only three instances where someone was motivated by discussion to actually try comparisons of cables, then came back and reported their opinion changed.
That's too low of a "success rate" in terms of willingness to invest my time on such matters. That's not a mark against the use of designer cables, but confirmation of the stubbornness of people who could explore things at marginal cost, but are pig-headed. Imo it usually comes down to money, and there are some no matter how much argument, will not part with a buck to try something. It's wasted breath on such people.
That's too low of a "success rate" in terms of willingness to invest my time on such matters. That's not a mark against the use of designer cables, but confirmation of the stubbornness of people who could explore things at marginal cost, but are pig-headed. Imo it usually comes down to money, and there are some no matter how much argument, will not part with a buck to try something. It's wasted breath on such people.