I also think that while we come to this community because we believe in helping audio firms develop better engineered gear that measures well, we also need to consider that audibility is still the ultimate measurement. If a device in question has issues, but those issues are not audible, as a device for listening to music would the device still not be up to the task? I personally look for measurements that suggest audible problems, or may indicate reliability problems down the road. If a device has everything that I want in terms of features, design, build quality etc., but also inaudible design issues, I would still consider that device. Saying that, if I could at the same time find another device that provides everything I want and measures better, assuming the price points are very similar I would opt for the latter option.
I am thinking specifically with DAPs in mind, I can understand the appeal of an all-in-one device and feel that there absolutely is a market for them. While I use my phone as a source both wired and wirelessly with various devices, and to great effect, that isn't to say that at times for headphone listening that I don't feel that a DAP would be useful. And with the Q5s that will be coming home soon, as I said, I actually found it sounded very nice with my headphones, and I don't think that I have a tin ear. So when it comes home, the fact that it hasn't measured well won't stop me from using and enjoying it. Sure some of the shine has come off and I am disappointed, but that doesn't change my belief in audibility being the line in the sand that I draw.
I hope that FiiO gets their act together as clearly there are several issues with the Q5s/AM3D that seem to be rectifiable through better engineering. I agree with the premise of this community which is that if some devices can and do measure very well then the devices in the same category and price range should also be held to those same standards. Schiit has clearly taken up the challenge and I would happily consider buying gear from them again as I now have confidence that they have the pride and resolve to engineer great devices. It is your turn now FiiO, these results are unacceptable, I will use my Q5s/AM3D and enjoy it, but before I spend more money supporting FiiO I will wait and see if like Schiit that you take these issues seriously. Until then I do not think sloppy engineering should be rewarded.