The Environmental thread + Conventional (HI-FI) wisdom is almost always invariably wrong

[bluesman]

10 minutes ago, Kimo said:

However, if a recording is simply bad, this has to be audible too. Having bad recordings cosmetically tailored to sound palatable, is not the way forwards.

 

It's the way forward if you're the one trying to sell it and have more concern for cash flow than reputation or doing the right thing.  Many mediocre (or worse) recordings have been brought to market for contractual, financial, or other business reasons after extensive sonic camouflage.  The most discerning and conscionable artists / studios / producers / vendors will simply refuse to issue bad recordings - but the rest will do their best to make things acceptable and let 'em go.