Let me point out that our camp (assuming there is a camp... some help here, guys?
) does NOT say that a Sherwood sounds the same as a Bryston. Well built and designed amps should sound the same. I mean, they're just amplifying a signal. If they don't sound the same, there's something wrong with the design. There's also the possibility of a subtle difference in volume between the two.
Oh yeah, and btw, NO ONE here says that speakers sound the same.
As to the rest of that argument, there is quite a lot to be said for build quality, styling, warranties, prestige from owning cool stuff, etc.