How hard is it to admit you bought bad gear?

Been there and done that. One thing I've learned - the criticisms (unless extreme or bigoted) are worth more than the praises.

I agree. It's a shame that reviews like Stereophile's Recommended Componenents have so much weight as to what is good or bad. I bought an outstanding product 7 years ago, a DPS design set of speakers from Quadrature. The interest in their line has almost died, and their value on the used market is almost nothing. If Stereophile had given it a good review, then they would have made mucho dinero. But since they didn't, you don't hear about this fine product. And regardless of whether it's good or bad, their value is based on one powerful source. So you better be on their good side if you want to make it in this world.

Jvia; Didn't hear no confession from you / I guess IT IS hard to admit-A ??

I've been fortunate that I don't think it's happened to me except for a very few times. Twice was with cables. They just didn't work for me--they might have been snake oil, or perhaps it was just system synergy. Once was with new cables, which I returned for a full refund. The other was with used cables, which I resold for 90% of what I paid for them. The new user was very happy with them. Once was with a used amp. It had a great name, but sounded very poor. As a result I haven't even attempted to sell it, because I can't feel comfortable selling something that sounds that bad. Instead I use it as an amp that runs in wall speakers for multi-room sound around the house (it sounds really good for that purpose--but a bit overkill).