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My perception is that CES and the related shows for audio serve several purposes, or at least several goals, rendering them at odds.
As a consumer I first got exposed to CES from magazines. Apart from ads or reviews it was the about the only way to learn what was happening beyond a local dealer's limited purview. And of course the media does it for themselves as well, to get ideas on what to review.
Later, when I worked for a dealer, I learned dealers go for ideas on what to carry.
The thing I never understood, and was surprised to learn of later, is that the shows are open to the public. Although I always wanted to go to one I never assumed you could get a decent demo. And so it's still surprising to read when consumers show up to buy something there based on stuff slapped into a hotel room. Bizarre, especially when there's never enough time to "shop" at a show.