2 99.999% of people who will ever hear our music are not the kind of cork-sniffers who would be able to tell the difference or care about it if they could. They will react emotionally to the musical content, and it's moot whether it was recorded on a real piano or a good VI (assuming a certain baseline of good taste and technical ability).
This point is not wrong per sè, in my opinion, but such a slippery slope.
Most people don't know the difference between anything and anything when they listen to music.
"Was it a triangle or a bass guitar on that song?" Not a clue.
They also really really don't give a flying ravioli about telling the difference, why should they?
Do I have the minimal idea about what technique was used to obtain this and that lighting, special effect etc in my favorite movie? Not a clue! I just know I like it, I just know I can feel a Spielberg movie looks much better then a 90s TV production.
But it's full of "cork sniffers" that nerd about this and that video-tech detail, and they know what makes a difference, and what element will do the trick, not me the final user.
They are the gatekeepers that are responsible for that final level of quality.
The boring car maker example should also fit: Does the consumer of a really nice car knows what components and engineering was used to make the car? The average consumer just knows if it goes fast and if the curves are smooth without knowing anything about car engineering.
It's the same for composers/producers. I know no one is going to care or notice if I used an actual hardware chain on my master bus or not for a rock track. And if i actually used a real piano for that super exposed passage. But I do, and
I care.
So in line with what you wrote, we definitely agree, our goal is
not to make them think we are using a real orchestra or a real piano etc.
Our only goal is to move them. This is what this is all about.
But, it's not just mental masturbational matters, it has to move and excite
me before it moves the listener.
So when I hear certain sounds (like a real piano in this case), I am the one moved and inspired more then by using other sounds.
Having said aaall this, VIs and plugins are amazing and do an incredible job while also being big time and budget savers.
Sorry about the long post.