Are there debates about integrity for orchestral players, who play the material as accurately as possible? Maybe period-instrument orchestras are looked down on as being the 'tributes' of the orchestral world?
Re. tribute bands, as a punter I want to be entertained and have a good night. Some tribute bands do, some don't. I once saw a Coldplay tribute (not my choice) and the best reaction they got was during the encore when they played 'I believe in a thing called love'
AFAIA the tribute band started in Australia, when due to the original acts not touring there, people made their own entertainment.