why do people think the LINN LP 12 is so superior to the Thorens (say 165 super)

I don't think LINN people are snobs, but I think they are very passionate about their TTs and are convinced that what they own is the better of the two.

AR invented the 3 point suspension + belt system, Thorens ran with it, then LINN saw it and made their own tweeks in scotland. 

I happen to own a Thorens 160td that I picked up for $50 which freed up some $$ to play with it, A little dampening here, a thicker bottom plate there, Cone feet, Sumuko pearl stylus. To me, it sounds great. 

When my LINN-owning friends visit, they make comments like "when are you going to step up and buy a LINN?"

Now maybe they are just joking around, like the chevy owner razzing the ford owner, but I don't think so. I think they really believe LINN is superior. 

Why?