Very true, but those benchmarks are a tool and not decision makers. Those who make suggestions that are "not-in-the-know " basicaly affect sales like for example FUTUR SHOP (caugh caugh f$%ck*&g as$*&o%$les) but this makes FORUMS like these so much more powerful. Companies should take advantage of forums likes these to get a USER'S FEEDBACK...now that is powerful marketting !!!! Let me say that a well knowledged user can be a very good and influencial sales person...not working for any company.
Personnaly, I like forums like these for the simple fact that I get more info on the product I want to buy that when I go into a certain store for the simple fact that no one here is making a profit on "suggestions" and all the bla bla. That's how I bought my Mountain Bike, after getting some good technical advice from MB Forums.
In conclusion, I would rather come to one of these forums, talk about what I want, what I need and ask for advice. I get good advice from people who know what they talk about (Most of them Hehe), I get knowledge on PCs, technical info, links to good websites (benchmarks) so that when I decide to make a decision based on everything I have learned, I am shure of getting what is best for me.
If you sum it all up, forums, benchmarks and websites....you get alot more info than a sales rep at FUTUR SHOP !!!