I would think the important thing would be the analog source, and if the digital stage reduced the number of generations it takes to get to the disc it would compensate for the insult to one’s digital virginity. They shouldn’t have lied about it. It’s the posturing and pretensions of the digital virgin community that makes it comical. It would also seem that if it's the amateur reporter who gets the subject to tell the truth, the amateur v. professional question becomes moot, doesn't it?
Washington Post article on MoFi vs. Fremer vs. Esposito
Here's a link to a Washington Post article on the recent dustup with MoFi. The comments section (including posts by Michael Fremer) are interesting.
Disclaimer: This is a "public service announcement, a point Im adding since some forum members complained the last article I referenced here was "paywall protected", I'll note that, for those who are non-subscribers, free access to limited numbers of articles is available by registering (trade-off: The Post will deluge you with subscription offers)