But the 80th and 85th are actually completely different speakers. (not saying you are wrong, but elaborating on your comment)
The 85th is a somewhat larger model with a 6.5" low midwoofer and new tweeter style, whereas the older 80th is a 5" low frequency driver.
Although they look similar, that is where the similarity ends.
I also read both ASR and Erin's stuff, and while I often agree with both guys, I also disagree with both at times also. I would not put so much "Weight" on any one approach, as both guys have completely different "Styles" and how they do things, but I appreciate both. No one is perfect, and both these guys are putting a LOT of time and effort into doing this type of stuff, so perhaps you comment comes off a bit "Strong" and could have been less "BOLD" with a tone more towards asking why Amir uses his approach etc.
Nicely stated. Could not agree more about how different Amir and Erin are, and it is just that. Too often lately, some want to push us towards absolutes, and many things are rarely that way. Some change over time too. In the early days, EAC's reviews had a Stereophile flair to them. Now his reviews are much more related to measurements and cannot tell whether he listened to the speaker before or after he measured. Frankly, could care less too. There is no absolute best speaker and to take any reviewer's position as definitive seems shortsighted to me.
As for Amir's approach, he has videos and numerous other threads that have discussed and debated. Unless one wants to be seen as trolling, imo, would be best not to take public potshots at him on the latest review thread. Otherwise, it is just impolite. Would not ever to go to a public presentation, announce to the presenter that their peer's work is superior and hope they are awed by my great insight. For some reason, some seem to think that might work well here. Like your suggestion to ask rather than make claims about another's position. I would add that it helps to try to understand their perspective
before expecting something of them.
p.s.
I think it is worth noting that EAC is NOT testing every review speaker with grilles both on and off. Given most speakers perform better without their grilles, it is unusual to test with them on.