@lewm I have no problem with any opinion you may foist 😁
I just think that fixing all parameters save a single component may well be quite futile - ie put an SME v on a Linn and it is not good at all whereas say a cheaper Linn Akito does work. Does that make the Akito superior? To the vast majority of us with a semblance of common sense - no - the SME V is on a completely different level. I am taking a fairly extreme example. One of the most unusual set of items are Nordost cables which when you go from room to room at a show you can hear a distinct signature- whether u are a fan or not is another matter.
All of it occurred to me during my own musings and I am coming to a conclusion of sorts that as far as possible march the deck, arm, cartridge, even phono stage then compare to another set up altogether because otherwise one doesn’t maximise each component in its chosen environment. What reviewers may be saying in many cases is that the best component in a direct comparison is arguably that x component is the most versatile. I’m sure many would detract from this approach. I am curious as to whether or not others are perceiving matters this way - whether by choice or practical reality .