How important is spending time with your gear?

The OP's opening statement, which includes "with no audible downside" is the fundamental basis of this discussion.

If we're looking for "right" and "wrong" answers here, I think we might be on the gas just a little too early exiting the turn.

Mixed/multiple motives is not heresy, nor is it unique to high performance audio.  When your kids (or, grandkids) are screaming for ice cream as you approach the 117 Flavors, you agree to stop.  Is it: a) you just want to shut them up, b) you want ice cream yourself, c) you love them and want to make them happy, or d) an old high school flame is the proprietor and you want to take the chance that they are on duty?  Or, is it "b" and "c" or "a" thru "d"? Or, even "e"?  Does an aggregate of multiple factors elevate the "licks per minute" factor?

Having an audio system that pegs the needle on the "feel good" meter on more than emotional level can have an accumulate effect on the overall listening experience for SOME listeners.  Others may feel zero attachment to the gear itself and it's ALL about the music.  Either way, the listener gets what THEY want.

For some strange reason, I'm feeling the urge to paint my Audi with gray primer and replace the premium wheels and tires with some Grand Marquis police intercepter black steel wheels and hubcaps.  Thanks, Eric.

Remote controls make hiding equipment impossible for me. Enough said!

The jungle of black boxes staring at me is not so appealing. 
I DO like the appearance of my speakers though. 
Just having sounds emanating from them would be fine for me.

If it were possible to have only my speakers, room treatments, and listening chair in the room I would do it. I use physical media and remote controls which make it impractical to have the gear in another room. Both sonic and functional considerations are at play for me, and I am sure others.

My second system is full active like you mentioned in another thread. They only require the source and Mini-DSP unit to be in the room. I like that set up quite a bit.

Does enjoying taking out and using the feather duster on my equipment and speakers make me a bad person?

😆