Box losses [4 leaking holes] are easy to predict and measure. Furthermore, once we get into the 5-10 watt range the air pressure jets in and out of them at speeds above Mach1 and they get audible. Hard to fathom a top-notch reviewer not discerning audible jet sounds coupled with Nora Jones and Diana Krall!
I guess the size of the holes matters but won't a few holes create a vented bandpass design? I am familiar with M. Dzurko's Sub's which utilized this design. Also called a symmetrical load. Obviously if some speaker designers are using this intentionally, it makes an audible difference.