What steps forward were actually steps backward?

Although no one is always right in any field, I have never regretted a purchase made after first listening in my own systems.
Since we all buy something, sooner or later, before hearing at home, trying to stick with what is recommended on Audiogon, or more than one of the "professional" reviewers, allows for re-sale to someone where the system synergy is better.
Home trials can be very helpful in finding high value for the money, and in training our ears to hear differences that a newcomer to the audio listening hobby considers only jargon, or stock phrases.

Wonderful comments so far about reaching the goal of enjoying the music when we listen, rather than merely unveiling the remaining inadequacies in a system, when we upgrade part of it.
The best upgrade would be one we can audition in our own system, before we irrevocably commit our money. I have made many "upgrades" based on faith in opinion of those more experienced, until finally reaching a point where I can feel confident deciding for myself.
Home trials, with their lack of sale pressure, have proven very valuable in forming my own preferences. Joining an audio club has also been of great value, unless you already have a neighborhood circle of audio buddies.
Although it seems too obvious to state, there is musical, and audio taste, so that each of us must protect our own sense of what is really enjoyable. In every field, a guru guides the novice to reach personal sophistication, even if it is not identical to the guru's view. At least the phrase rhymes.