Everything you say is true. As an engineer I say that it is a sad state of affairs. People by and large make their purchasing decisions based on "marketing" essentially because they have no way to make a rational purchasing decision in an information vacuum. Quite often in our society (US) the purely rational and pragmatic choice is ridiculed in favor of the "chic" and expensive choice because of marketing pressure. The automotive market is a prime example.

There are lots of riders that should choose Chris King headsets just like there are lots of riders that should choose Phil Wood hubs. If I was planning an unsupported bike ride to Tierra del Fuego I would choose both. Since I'm not planning that trip I would rather spend my $'s elsewhere.