Most will blindly follow unfortunately.
IMO this is the problem. Everyone thinks they are not biased. We have all read about the different theories that can bias an audio test. The only scientific way is to have a neutral 3rd party do the tests in a controlled audio environment, eliminating all kinds of subtle variables, where there is little chance of any bias. And I would guess 95% have never done this. So yes, it goes back to trusting your ears…but anyone who proclaims they did some “unbiased” tests…I’m not buying it unless the tests were administered by experienced 3rd party.
As for the 3rd party, this is one time you don’t want to visit that $5 per song ME you found on Craigslist. 