I am all for objectivity, but then subjective considerations also do play a role, don’t they? Would a Taj Mahal feel as pretty without the story behind it? If hearing the name Stradivarius generates some emotions and state of mind that makes you enjoy the music more, then I’d think there’s a value in it. Because end of the day, musical appreciation is subjective.
So while blind tests may prove absolute merit, they would not be able to predict the real-life experience which is influenced by subjective considerations.