This "pointing out" of "observations [that] are audio folklore" and that they "should have been put to bed years ago" are the very definition of being the Posting Police.
05-14-08: Rccc
Im not policing your post Im simply pointing out your observations are audio folklore that should have been put to bed years ago instead of being perpetuated on the internet.
As for whether stylus drag has an audible effect, why do most audiophile turntable designs try to do something about it, sometimes going to extreme measures? Why do some belt-drive turntables have platters so heavy (for the flywheel effect) that they have to use opposing magnets or air bearings to keep their 40-80 lb. platters from grinding down conventional bearings? Why are direct drive turntables servo controlled? Why did Teres introduce the Certus drive (which they go to great lengths to explain how it addresses audible stylus drag)? Why do enthusiasts seek out the old pro quality idler drive turntables? It seems to me a lot of thought and effort goes into addressing stylus drag, from designers to users, while you make it sound like I'm the lone crackpot.
Enter "stylus drag" in Google and you'll get 37 screens' worth of returns, including references to John Watkinson's book, "The Art of Sound Reproduction." Enter "John Watkinson" and "Art of Sound Reproduction" and you'll get 6 screens' worth for that very specific entry alone.
I suppose, however, that you could pronounce this audio/video consultant and author "not credible" if you choose to, but that would be arbitrary and subjective too, wouldn't it?