I think your take is right on, Hambrabi. A great post!

I often wondered the same.

Ultimately, the Olive score is a wonderful comparator, but other factors matter when it comes to the integration of speakers in a living space. As you mention, a lot of folks were likely dismayed as they equated a gold medal score with a sure thing.

Great speakers can be made to sound bad and vice versa. That said, info is great, and the Olive score sure is thought provoking.