Your earliest experience with recorded sound shapes your future preferences. I have no proof but it makes sense. Your hearing is "burned in" so to speak and thereby directs the average person in his audiophile journey. Alas, time does march on and my 64 year old abused ears no longer discern as well, which is another factor that is often ignored. (Do you really think all those rock concerts help your ability to hear the difference in power cables?)
I have no problem with either camp as most manufactures test their products in some way. And those same manufactures acknowledge and depend on the subjective support of their buyers.
One more thing, we do have audio sommeliers....youtube talking heads and a few print reviewers. And some retail individuals. Have any published their hearing evaluations from a medical provider? Why not?