If we go for entirely subjective endeavors... I am all for it ... if the pursuit can be defined in objective terms ... No. Audio reproduction has an objective , clearly stated goal , difficult to achieve for sure but objective it is. High End Audio is supposed to be the highest expression of this Art/Science. If the goal is not attained and the point is all about luxury ...
The main problem is that most of the time luxury is mixed with quality. Quality comes at a price, people who have the money to buy this quality most of the time also expect luxury. In order to sell manufacturers must comply with marketing requirements. Should we expect that WBF will educate a significant number of audio consumers, changing this trend?