OP..."So yes, I was disappointed" Anyone in the hifi game is going to be disappointed MANY times during the upgrade path. Forget about your expectations and roll with the discovery of your personal tweeks improving things...That's the point of hifi. Hifi manfacturers are not here to meet your expectations.
Did I Expect too much?
I purchased a pair of speakers from a US manufacturer who I shall not name. The speakers are beautiful and the sound exceeds my expectations (after a minor upgrade). So why would such a reputable company use six dollar binding posts? It makes no sense. I replaced them with Cardas binding posts and decent 12 gauge wire between the driver and posts. My system is valued for clarity and clean highs. The difference was audible. I know, snake oil. But it wasn’t. I don’t think that spending $15K for speakers is nothing. So yes, I was disappointed.