I'm not sure how much this applies to audiophiles, since it is not a mainstream movement anymore for a long time now, but I had to think of this article when I read the headline:
https://meaningness.com/geeks-mops-sociopaths
On a personal note, audiofoolery is full of people claiming unsubstantiated bullshit, and it's also full of people who can spend more money than you and thus are more "right". It's also a topic that is highly subjective, lacks industry standards, and thus creates a
circle of confusion and it's highly emotional. Combined with the technical intricacies you couldn't pick a better topic to get heated about.
In recent years, this combines with a populace that is no longer able to accept differing opinions. "Live and let live" seems to be generally in decline. That said, there is so much bullshit in audio world that I'm kinda glad we don't accept stupid and unproven subjective opinions - because without standards, the only way to go is down.
On the other hand, if somebody enjoys his objectively bad audio system it's no skin off my back.
What I see everywhere is tribalism. Doesn't matter what topic it is. People choose sides, maybe they invest in them by buying a product, and then ideology takes over. It seems these days, you can't just enjoy a thing for what it is, you have to make it your identity.
It's all very strange to me. I don't think it will end well.