Gosh, that's kind. I do try to pose the kind of questions that don't have easy answers, but I too am continually AMAZED at the encyclopedic knowledge of theatre history & experience that exists within this online community. It's pretty remarkable!
I think your point about orchestration is sooooooo valid. I'd go even further to say that I would pay GOOD MONEY to hear a cast recording that did its best to sound like a Goddard Lieberson recording from the CBS 30th Street studio. Those warm echoey acoustics in the classic Broadway cast recordings get me all nostalgic!
