I agree with you to a point - you seem to distinguish between critical listening for the sound of the components and "serious" listening which includes listening to music while doing other things, such as reading. How about introducing a third type of listening, that is, critically listening to musical content. Then when you get the urge to upgrade you just go out and by some unfamilar music to satisfy your need to listen critically. There is just so much music out there to be discovered and enjoyed. Why waste your time worrying about how different components sound. :-)
I have figured out the upgrade itch
I think I have finally figured the upgrade itch out. I answered another thread that wanted to know (what do you do while listening to music?) I said that 25% is serious listening and the other 75% is half heartedly listening and reading. I went on to say that it use to be the exact opposite of 75% critical listening and only 25% reading. I have not upgraded anything lately but I have the itch to do so. I've noticed that when I upgrade anything in my system I tend to do a lot of critical listening. I believe we upgrade so frequently so that we can enjoy serious listening. To me critical listening isn't fun unless a new toy is in the sand box. What do you think?