I realised a while back that whilst everyone has an opinion based on experience, knowledge etc, not everyone shares the same taste. This makes any advice on equipment choices you're given, a 50/50 as to whether it'll work out for you. It's important to find people whose taste is similar to your own. There are folk here whose advice is spot on for me and others who I sometimes wonder what they are actually listening to. Take Quad amps for instance, I hate their sound but they are massively popular and highly rated. I tried a few and none made any impression other than to take it out asap. Doesn't mean they are shat, just that I don't like them. I love Vintage Japanese hifi but theres a crowd who hate it. Align yourself with people who have a similar taste and you'll be fine. Ignore the detractors too.

It's spot on where you wrote about people being on their high horse. Regardless of experience, sometimes what's right for you just doesn't work for someone else.

This is a good forum and it's moderated to keep it that way. Well done all.

Good post OP.

PS, as good as EVH is I'm afraid Jimi Hendrix rules and always will.