I have always wondered which was first, the high rating or the full page ad. I feel there are many components on that list that are not advertising in the magazine. But there are many that are. I guess its still down to Trust but verify. Just have to verify through all the weeds out there online.
Stereophiles 2021 Recommended Components is now on line.
Enjoy
https://www.stereophile.com/content/recommended-components-fall-2021-edition
No A+ for preamps, amps or integrates, but there are A+ for digital processors
Cheers George