On the other hand, I think this might sometimes be backlash against the just as common 'if it costs more it sounds better' attitude found in a lot of shops and forums.

I think a lot of the so called 'high-end' companies are poisoning the well when they go so far as to turn folks off to the possibility that someone might be able to make 'it' better. Outlaw Audio is a fine example, IMHO, of a good high end company, as are a few others like most of the Harmon brands and Rotel.

Some places I'd be afraid to call these guys high end, but here I think we're a bit more rational.