Sounds to me like you’re doing it right. If you’re not loving what you’re doing, why bother?
But, I know where this comes from. Not sure it is really anything to do with audio or audiophiles either.
Having dinner with a friend one time, first time there, he is showing me around. Oh you have a stereo. So he tells me all about it, how Akai makes a really good receiver, speakers he auditioned before buying these Yamaha, and then seeing my interest plays me something. I sit back, relax, close my eyes, really enjoyable experience.
Some weeks later we have them over. Listening room door, eyes bug out. Darn near fell out when he looked behind the amp. This guy was Microsoft Director level, Porsche racer, total alpha and unaccustomed to being utterly outclassed. He listened but I am quite sure never enjoyed it.
Month later he has been to Stewart, bought basically everything I had only better. I had integrated, he had to get separates. Like that. Nice collection of components. Only made things worse. Now he was really vexed. How in the world did he spend 2X and still not feel satisfied?
The answer to me is obvious. First time he put the time in to go and listen and buy what HE liked. Would just about bet money he was happier then than now.
Don’t waste one second trying to please anyone else. Don’t give a hoot what anyone here thinks. Most of em never set foot in your house, let alone hear what you have. Even if they do, who cares? It’s your system.
This is not a zero sum game. Lotta guys act like it is. Act like if you think the world of yours it must mean theirs sucks. Messed up, but there it is. Don’t fall for it. Enjoy, and enjoy that you enjoy. That is all.