My thinking on the whole custom IEM topic, as for universals is
people should buy for a sound signature they like, not based on scores/rating. I am working on ratings for all my custom IEMs and the select universals I have recently heard, however the
ratings don't tell the whole story, and scoring higher won't make a choice the best for you.
Yup, this statement pretty much hits the nail on the head as far as I'm concerned. Reviews / impressions / ratings, etc can / should only do so much in deciding which IEM (or any product for that metter) to get. IMO, the ideal chain of events should be: Read review / impression ->audition the IEM for yourself ->Make final decision whether it suits YOUR preferences or not.
Of course, even with this there's problems. If you read a review first, a bias can set in and when you audition, you're could subconsciously be hearing what the review said you should hear and not what you are actually, physically hearing. I suppose if you're conscious enough of this fact, you can negate the bias despite having read a review before auditioning an IEM.
Then again, you may not be able to audition a particular IEM. What then? All you have, really, is a review / impression like this thread. For me, i read it, i try to imagine what the reviewer is saying and i take note of the ratings relative to other IEMs. Then I have to decide what qualities / signature I'm looking for and whether a particular IEM fits the bill.
Ultimately, if you are going to buy one expensive custom IEM I would
go for something with the sound signature you like and strengths that are important to you (if you can find that within your price range) which should result in long term enjoyment when listening casually and deep appreciation of the accurate, realistic reproduction that is achieved through technical ability.
Absolutely! 
