It is funny that how such an interesting article can have such sad, even discouraging interpretations and followups by audiophiles in an audiophile forum.
For me, the main idea of the article is about economics, and explaining that in every product the manufacturer should settle a price zone, and then add features to become competitive and show it clearly in the marketing message.
IMHO, the "negative" aspects being now presented in this thread are the statistical exceptions in the high-end game. Card boxes, crates, jewel like boxes? These are peanuts in our debates. But yes, sometimes I really appreciate peanuts!
I love peanuts! My tubes arrived safe and sound because of them!