I didn't mean to start up a heated debate about it. It's just that I've seen some people that aren't as enlightened or up to speed or even completely new to the HDTV world (yes, there's still people like that), and they ask a question that is genuine - then some people make persnickety or sarcastic remarks in response to that person; as if someone asking such an obtuse question (to the smart alecks of the world) should be raked across the coals accordingly. Poor form in my opinion. I'm not saying that's what you intended or that you fall into that category, as I've read many of your posts and know that you're not like that. I guess my underlying message is that people shouldn't be so quick to judge other people's opinions and dismiss their perceived perception because it differs from majority consensus.
I know that you didn't mean to be condescending, but it just came across that way. Perception is a funny animal on the internet, and often times there will be misunderstanding and judgement rendered based purely upon syntax and the written word. In this case, no harm and no foul. At this point, I also don't know whether he was pulling everyone's leg or not, but regardless I wanted to at least give him the benefit of the doubt.
Think of this situation from a new perspective. What is the average person's buying habits? Of course they vary across a wide range. Some people shop impulsively, some want the best bang for their buck, some want the very best money can buy, others do a great deal of research, and others may fall somewhere inbetween, et cetera. Say for example an average person just stopped in a store with no technical knowledge, fell in love with an HDTV (lets say the XBR4 from yesteryear), and bought it on the spot without ever having seen a Pioneer.
-- Are they technically wrong in their thinking that the XBR4 is every bit good as a Pioneer Pro-151fd? Absolutely and unequivocally YES!
-- Should their happiness and contentment with said XBR4 be scrutinized under the microscope, despite not knowing something better exists be cause for mockery? No, not in my opinion.
Like I said earlier, I give everyone the benefit of the doubt until they prove otherwise. Anyway, enough about that from me. I'm not arguing with you about the comparison, because I've been in agreement with you all along about that. I just don't feel that he got a fair shake from everyone without knowing more of the background of said person, right or wrong he may be in everyone's eyes.