The number one reason is lack of exposure. Even without all the ear-training, many high end systems are dynamite to listen to at first hearing, musical as can be and fabulous, fabulous imaging. But where in a normal lifetime does a non-cognoscente get to hear such things? Most people have no idea what can be done with sound.
Why Don't More People Love Audio?
Can anyone explain why high end audio seems to be forever stuck as a cottage industry? Why do my rich friends who absolutely have to have the BEST of everything and wouldn't be caught dead without expensive clothes, watch, car, home, furniture etc. settle for cheap mass produced components stuck away in a closet somewhere? I can hardly afford to go out to dinner, but I wouldn't dream of spending any less on audio or music.