I often notice that people who have open reel decks and/or tube equipment are nicest

We're a pretty good looking bunch too! Joe Novak. (owner of four high end reel to reel machines)

Yes, I have 2 R2R decks. My wife insisted on it, She thought they might help file a couple of burrs off my course personality. It’s a work in progress.

Of course, we are good looking, and our equipment may look even better !

I think OP is on to something here.

Could be because tubes and r2r take a journey to get there. They also take a lot of thought. They’re not beginners’ gear. If they’re expensive, it’s for a reason (take the covers off a Revox deck and see). Most of these folks at least know what’s inside their gear. Some even built it with their hands. Got to respect that.

Also, come to think of it, there’s no hype there. No grandiose claims of paranormal sound improvements are ever made. Not having to process idiocy is indeed calming.

I’m not a tube guy, but I have to say that some of the threads I enjoyed the most on here were tube threads. Just knowledgeable guys sharing good, valuable information.

" Not having to process idiocy is indeed calming ".

Great way to put it.