re: my Diet Coke analogy above, I think it's appropriate 'cos I wonder if we have become so used to the size, light weight and availability of the micros, we've forgotten what a 'proper' power stage actually feels like.
Truth is, it's not really relevant to your average punter watching the gig, but from a player's perspective, that tactile response is SO satisfying.
IMO, IME, etc.