Other than your strange need to slap back at assumptions I don't hold (unwashed masses?), we see things pretty much the same. Just because I've acquired some gear, doesn't mean I judge anyone for what they own, and since your gear is different than my own, I can probably learn a thing or two from you. As far as anyone else goes, rock on with your stock earbuds if that's what pleases. Ask me about something, though, and I'll tell you straight up what I think.
All of us are here for the music (I hope), but the hobby aspect, learning about this and that, is a different thing imo. I'm trying to get into DIY right now, mostly so I can understand what others are talking about, and why some things work well together and why some don't, but I'm starting with -0 knowledge. I've got some books, a boyfriend, and a retired electrical engineer in my neighborhood trying to help me (I need two mentors so I don't burn them out). So far, I'm learning to solder (made a little robot with blinking eyes), and picking up some basics. I've got some kits made for ages 10-14 to teach me to read schematics and not to fry things. The other night, I was messing around with things, and my friend's eight-year-old son had to show me how to do it right....twice! Talk about a learning curve...
So zero hard feeling, Mr. Lupus...though your name is horrible... and asshats get passed around a lot in these parts. Hoping today it's not my turn.
Let us know when you get that Reference and what you think.