I think you need to work to separate the wheat from the chaff.
"Pushing the chart to the left" encourages a pattern where people purchase a higher quality product and the market responds. In turn we get more competition, better quality and lower price. (as mentioned an apples to apples comparison shows the price difference between "left" and "right" is minimal.)
There will always be the blowhards who have to convey that information like they are Zeus on high dictating to the peasants. Its not unique to AR-15s or firearms. The world is full of smacktards. Just ignore them and absorb what you can for your needs.

