Yes, I read the whole paper. No, I did not read all the references and neither did you. This is a subject that I have quite a bit of experience with based on critical real life brewing for a long time and researching brewing science for a long time. Your current argument is based on wishful thinking paired with a presumably dull palate. Of course, there are always going to be beer drinkers that can't tell the difference or prefer the shittier beer. Like it or not, they exist and have opinions about beer.

They should just make and drink beer and thank God their palate is dull enough to not worry about how to brew beer for more discerning palates that actually CAN taste the difference. 8 out of 20 something people have sharp enough palates to appreciate the latest Brulosophy xBmt. When they call it "insignificant", it just stokes the majority of dull palates that need validation. I celebrated the 8 sharp palates that actually CAN tell the difference because they know how to taste beer critically.