I think, most buyers of today's high-end are not audiophiles and as such have different priorities. Having said that, other things being equal I prefer more powerful higher current amps, especially transistor amps. At the same volume with the same music you can feel the difference.
Why has amplifier power become a big issue
Back in the day I drove my Advent speakers that were very inefficient with 30 watts per channel. Today I run Vandersteen 2 ce speakers which are more efficient then the old Advents with 50 watts per channel and way more current. By most this is underpowering the Vandersteens, what has changed?