Wow... I'm not sure such blanket opinion on anything can be totally accurate. I, myself, doubt that the big companies would spend the billions they do on packaging, promoting and research that they do if it didn't matter. Maybe that isn't what anyone is saying... maybe I missed something here, too???
It's huge with men, and teens for sure.. this buying a certain brand. I know in the clothing realm, and in vehicles and electronics...it's all about EGO.