It's not straightforward to assume the intention as being "obvious" when there is inconsistency. The Focal Elegia as a counter example, has a coloured white or grey headband depending on how you see it, but they chose the pads to be black instead - which does not indicate their intention as "obvious" as you would say.
Aesthetic preference, similar to sound preference, is subjective as well. IMO it looks great with black pads as it can be seen from The Headphone Show changing the pads. This is one of those scenarios where to each their own looks.
For one, assumptions can be made for any scenario, that's why it's an assumption. What you shouldn't "jump to" are conclusions, because there is lack of concrete evidence to back up a conclusion. Assumptive claims or conjecture can be made in any case. That's why my statement started with "Probably" and not "The fact is".
Now, I don't quite understand why my comment is 'cynical' as you would describe it. Any for profit company like Focal will be looking to generate the most revenue, that should be common sense from a business perspective. How a company attains the most revenue they could get is dependent on their strategy and other factors. I should probably have made more clear that when I gave that comment, it was a combination of two things about the Focal Clear replacement pads:
- The colour and material chosen has already raised concerns in different forums (including this thread) about longevity and durability - given how quick the material loses colouration + retains oil from skin and hair similar to alcantara pads from Shure, lending to faster wear and tear (noticed this on my pads so I have to consistently wipe the pads gently every after use)
- The replacement cost is higher than replacement pads for competing brands in the same price bracket (i.e. ZMF costs 35% of Clear pads, Audeze is about 50%)
So to clarify, it's not just about "chose the colour to drive post-purchase pad sales". It's a little more than that.
Given how some of the competition price their replacement pads, why is Focal pricing theirs as such? My suspicion (assumption), is that replacement pads is one way for Focal to generate the most revenue for their ROI with the Clear, given ear pads are one of those pieces in a headphone that can be easily replaced - so aftermarket sales is another area they could focus on. There will be a time owners of the Clear will need to replace pads for whatever reason (i.e. loses it's padding/cushion, deformation, material degradation), and this is one area they can generate more revenue.
Given the points above, it makes one skeptical of such an approach when you compare what they're doing in relation to what other competitors in the market are doing.
