I think both analogies have some limitations. The discussion is that some people THINK all there is to know about sound IS measured and published. Others may not be very articulate to express it but basically think ALL is not measured and/or published, and think there is value in discussing and hearing people’s subjective opinions about audio gear. Some on the extreme dare to say measurements are basically shit and should be avoided because they are worthless.
When you are I the first group, there is not much you can do to swing people in the other two groups to your direction. Really. And in my opinion o y one of those are wrong, and it’s those trying to convince others of their preferences.
What you like is what is best for you. You are better off listening to people’s subjective opinions if those people share your taste, what you seek in audio reproduction, what impacts you more, than seeing a few graphs. That’s the value of subjective opinions and reviews when it comes to something as subjective as enjoyment of art.
I have an example. Bowers and Wilkins 706 s2 vs KEF R3. The latter technically superior than the former. Right? Flattest response, less distortion, better multi tone performance, more efficient. Right? Well, there are a ton of people who prefer the 706s2. I ordered a pair the other day and my cousin and uncle received it and they say I should be ready to send the R3 to whatever place I use for backup/secondary speakers. That happens all the time. I don’t understand why we need so badly to have everybody have the same opinions or even tastes. I mean, it would be convenient and the world would be far easier if we could, but it would be something very different than the world we know.
Some people want to hear what others have to opine about audio equipment, and to them, those opinions, when next to some kind of reference (what they opine about x speaker that I know well), is even more useful than graphs that most people think understand but actually don’t, because you are either well versed in acoustics/electronics or in music (as a musician). That is OK. You are satisfied with the “best” measuring whatever? That’s ok too. Be happy.
Few things in the world are binary. Some people including some claiming to be very scientific about everything don’t recognize this and that all or nothing approach limits everything…
Subjective opinions are a form of measurement. A measure is something that reduces uncertainty. Let people have their opinions and yes, well they tell you FOR THEM that 100usd Bluetooth speaker is better than your 1k one, it’s them who are feeling better about it. The only thing we need to acknowledge is that: it’s better FOR THEM.