So how many use MM cartridge and intend to keep it that way ?

I have only used Grado carts. I briefly tried a Dyna 17d3 through one of Bob's Devices. I much preferred my Sonata. I thought about 2500.00 retail for the step up and cart combo would give me a good mc taste. Price not including the IC. I currently use a Reference1 that sounds really good to me. I think about trying some of the above mentioned vintage mm. One day I hope get to them. For now my new Belden 8402 IC has made for some really nice music coming out of my system. Iow, I don't plan on messing with a cart change anytime soon. 

When I hear someone say "bass slam", I don't quite know how to take it. Either they are talking about bass that should be reproduced as recorded or about exaggerated bass that they like.
'Messing' with interconnects can be very beneficial even if not exactly free.

It's true sometimes it's an exaggerated bloom in the bass region, but other times I begin to hear more detail and a stronger mix from the bass lines. Example would be Zeppelin JPJ and stand up bass in jazz even from a very low cost cart as a Shure m35x even if it's lacking in other areas.

2 Shure V15 RS
1 AT14Sa
1 Stanton 500 MKII for 78s
2 LOMC
1 HOMC

I can list some of the very best MM/MI/MF from my own collection:

Glanz MF61
AT-ML180 OCC
Grace F-14 Exellent (w/F12B stylus)
Grace F-14 LC-OFC
Grace LEVEL-II BR/MR
AT-ML170 OFC
AT-20SL
Garrott P77 
Joseph Grado Signature TXZ
Pioneer PC-1000 mk2
Stanton W.O.S. 
Victor X-1II
Victor-X1IIE 
Technics 205c mk4