Sean, If the reason we have stereo systems is to be able to listen to music and if we agree that we would like it to be as realistic as possible why would we want "flat frequence response" at the listening position? Most recordings are close multi miked - the end result of having FFR would be the equivilent of having your ear a few feet or in some case inches from the instrument(s) or voice, something that never happens live and sounds most unrealistic (have you ever heard a singers sibilance in an unmiked live performance?). Not at all realistic! The only exception would on those recording where the mikes are placed at an appropriate distance or very simple techniques are used. Any system set up will be static so some recording will sound more realistic on some systems and not on others. I would tune a system to sound as realistic as possible based primarily on the types of recordings I listen to most. FWIW while I accept your use of the terms "audiophile" and "music lover" I think it is perhaps more descriptive to say "audiophile" and "technophile". :-)
