I think that Harbeth has created a good marketing image ..
Well this sentence put me off to be honest.
Maybe there could be added something, both positive and negative.
I understand those who feel a proud ownership, that's just fine and happy for them, probably a majority.
There are many good Harbeth speakers out there, I've owned a few pair myself.
Additionally I have heard other editions and my experience are bland, but many aren't interested in anything but glorious talk maybe apart from recent retail price-increase, actually some of their 3-way editions were far to high priced IME for what you get. Some people seem to get more exited because its expensive rather than how it sounds.
Then there's the brainwashed, there seem to be some people which don't accept others opinion or allow them to free speech really.
Pretty much HUG is something of a "Heil" affaire where critic (even constructive) is not allowed, meaning a pure marketing tool to brainwash the remaining public audience.
Personally I just hate places where you can't express your view without being moderated, of course within generel AUP.
I hope Leo got his issues solved, this could be another lesson of "loss of reputation & sales" because Brands don't take their responsibility seriously.
In my opinion Harbeth should replace Leo's speakers with no cost for him (but an apology) provided this is a true story.