Being a wine geek and an audiophile I find your analogy thought provoking. I think that there are some major differences that account for the acrimony. Unless we personally made the wine outside of what we paid for it, we have no skin in the game . We audiophiles usually put together our systems so we not only are personally invested ,we are also financially. If a bottle of wine I pour isn’t up to snuff I can shrug it off by saying, I didn’t make the wine. Yes ,I may have selected it but unlike a stereo system it is just one bottle.
I haven’t purchased a wine publication in years. I trust my senses because there is more to wine than just taste. I don’t take it personal if someone doesn’t like a wine I pour. We all have our own preferences. My wife loves beets, I can’t stand them.
I am guilty of reading the two main audio magazines and if they have an opinion about a record, piece of gear etc. that is the opposite of mine I chalk it up to each their own.
I do get frustrated by those who insult others on this forum. If a power cord ,fuse etc. makes a positive difference in your system and you want to share your experience with others you shouldn’t be subjected to ridicule. I have gotten some great information on this and other forums.
I trust my ears and palate but I appreciate the opinions of others. We are all different to some extent thank goodness or the the world be a really boring place.