Welcome to Head-Fi where dang near everything is exaggerated. While, I don't agree with a lot of what you say about the LCD-2, I wont argue with you. Headphones are a very personal thing, and what works for one person does not mean it will work for everybody. Comfort, HRTFs, and general preference in sonic signature ensure that we will always prefer different things. Even speakers aren't immune to individual preference. The only thing that matters in this hobby is finding what you like, regardless of the cost and what the masses think, and roll with it.
A lot of people here like to make mountains out of mole hills. Subtle differences are exaggerated to the point where if you can't read between the lines, you'd think that the result was two sounds that were nothing alike. The reality is that for all the hyperbole, Joe Shmoe on the street wouldn't be able to discern the difference half the time. Heck, for quite a few of the differences described here, I'd be *very* surprised if the person describing it could even discern the difference in any blind testing. In others still, I'm practically certain the changes they "hear" are figments of their imagination.
Basically, take comments by people with a grain of salt. Try to discern the realistic differences between gear by averaging people's comments and discarding the flamboyant praise and searing hatred. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If a person calls something the worst thing ever, chances are it isn't. If something is supposed to radically change with X hours of burn in, or by using Y amp, or Z source, then you're looking at a minor change at best. If they start talking about cables and power cords, then it's probably best to increase that grain of salt to a nice heaping pound.
Finally, price and quality are never in a 1:1 ratio to one another. That's why we have the whole concept of diminishing returns. Twice the price != twice as good. It simply has never has been the case, and never will be. For some the difference is worth it. For others it wont be. The only person to be the judge of that is the individual listener.
PS: If the future is earbuds, count me out. I hate having things in my ears for extended periods of time. I'll take the big old heavy LCD-2 any day of the week for extended listening.