In sound production this is common practice, because you create what the listener will later hear on their stereo as intended by the artist's and/or producer's vision. That is where the tuning takes place.

In sound reproduction (hi-fi), you want to extract said vision as close to the original as possible. That's the idea.

While being interesting to look at and accompanied by many myths, all a tube really does (if at all) is add harmonic nuances that aren't part of the original recording and thereby distorting the signal. Due to their fanbase and big marketing claims of wider soundstages, superior clarity and what not, they still have a place in the hearts of audiophiles. I also call a pair of old tube monoblocks my own, but I'm fully aware of the technicalities behind them and sleep better, knowing that I don't have to use them to power my speakers in order to enjoy my flac files and records in all their glory.

That being said: they're either status symbols (especially at the given price point), a nod to the earlier days of hi-fi and electronic engineering or - sadly the usual - a sign of how easy people can be tricked into a feeling of imperfection which results in buying ridiculously overpriced gear.

Now excuse me, while I pre-heat my 30 year old tube monoblocks and listen to some Chet Baker 🫡🫣