Sampling of Audio Gear

[Smokey]

As for me, I view ultra low THD numbers as inherently bad - simply because it is so easy to achieve them by means of using tons of negative feedback which creates numerous problems in the time domain.

I think there is more to low THD than just feedback. THD is more related to power, harmonic distortion and noise and it does cost more to keep those specifications in check. That is one reason cheap amplifiers have modarate to high THD.

Even though this measurement [THD] does not tell of the components sound quality I think people that don't know any better assume that it does show the quality of a component because of they way they print it with the power rating.-

If THD does not show the quality of component, then what does it show?

As you said THD is not tell all, but it is a good indication of amplifier signal handling (coloration) capability