Why so obsessed with bass?

Both extension and dynamics are important, but I also noticed that my new speakers have better bass quality - very natural attack and decay.  New speakers are three way with two 8" woofers in larger cabinet for bass, while the older ones were smaller  2.5 way with two 6.5 woofers.  Surprisingly extension is the same for both (30Hz). Smaller woofers, smaller cabinet, same extension - something has to give.  

With this 2.5 way xover one mid/woofer works up to 2kHz while the other woofer works to 500Hz only.  That way frequencies below 500Hz are played by two speakers while other frequencies are played by one speaker only.  That way it is possible to get any extension with smaller woofers by fortifying lowest frequencies with additional drivers.  I assume that bass refleks with small speakers is tuned to get best extension (for specifications) and not necessarily for the lowest distortions.

Sub-woofers are an interesting phenomena in that they are relatively rare in 2 channel systems in Europe, where they are found mainly in AV theatre systems. They are, rightly or wrongly, often perceived as unnecessary to a pure 2 ch system. The theory being that if a speaker is done right then you shouldn’t need one.

The US market seems more fixated on them, and in the plural as they seem to come in multiple subs in some US systems.

We have smaller rooms in Europe, maybe that’s why too, no room for more wooden cabinets. And we rarely have room for a dedicated Hi-Fi room, usually it’s a home lounge too. If your room only takes a small speaker, that is the type of speaker which most benefits from a sub, then you’re unlikely to be able fit more boxes in. If your room fits a bigger speaker you shouldn’t need a sub.

When I have heard systems with arrays of multiple subs they have sounded to my ears too much. Or when toned down I have heard them sounding good, but not 4 boxes worth of goodness.

Everyone has their own opinion as to what is good bass. A teenager who has 400 pounds of amps and speakers stuffed into a Honda Civic may like to see birds flushed from trees frightened by the booming coming from the car. If that's their goal...good for them.
Personally, I prefer bass that is what I perceive the creator of the music intended. Often that's hard to know. Bass preference is an individual subject. How to achieve YOUR preference?????????????

Had to laugh when I read, "its actually about QUALITY, not QUANTITY" because, with subs, you need quantity (more subs) to get quality (better bass).

Have noticed that newer speaker cabs are including smaller drivers. Mostly cause people want smaller spkr footprints.  Of course this impacts fullness and quality of bass from main speakers.  
To solve problem, dealers advocate subs.  Marketing genius.
More boxes higher sales.  
My older speakers have larger drivers and fill room so much better.  Imaging not as good but very nice to listen to.  
Size of drivers matter for bass.