Before I figured out that 90% of the reviewers could hear no better than I can/(could) and more importantly, wouldn't know the absolute sound if it were in their living room, I was almost that guy (but the dollar numbers were an order of magnitude higher than quoted in the letter ).
Now, I read TAS and Stereophile to learn about: (1) new recordings (2) New equipment that is gaining popularity (3) what new anti-science product has grabbed the hearts and minds of the followers.
That said, I still do enjoy scanning both magazines but seldom read anything all of the way through. A few article by the reviewers I do respect I will read through.