Putting an end to the audio cable debate! Part 1

Is it fair to compare xlr/balanced cables with RCA/unbalanced, as has been done here and elsewhere?

I am under the impression that there are different processes invoked in employing the use of each type of cable.  It is not changing just one variable, but quite a few.  Correct me if I am wrong.

Marketing is everything! Look what clever marketing has done for Ted Denny's Synergistic Research! Quantum tunnelling indeed!

"Marketing is everything!"

I disagree. 
You have to make a product that actually works, or you're going to go out of business pretty quickly.

Marketing certainly brings awareness to your name, though, so it no doubt increases sales.

I have read a lot about this and no matter what side tells the story I still cannot wrap my head around a $15,000 patch cord. A simple RCA connection between the preamp and amp will cost $30,000? I want to meet the person who can hear an audible difference between a $15K and $5K patch cord. I will buy that person dinner. But they have to prove it first. 

All cables work. The real work begins when  justifying the cost, either by the producer or the buyer. 
As a caveat I believe in spending money on cables that approximates the cost of your system. Lamp cord to a Magico works but I would not suggest such an approach.