Do you think audiophiles are the most gullible hobbyists

Lots of hobbies have snake oil and those that buy into it

Book collectors are the worst, Jerry, the worst!  

OP: With that initial post, looks you are strictly speaking about yourself .

I think there is some truth in that, music is among the most powerful of human triggers.
Nobody ever spent a grand for a new book cover that would make Shakespeare better .

Schubert's comment made me think. 

Maybe not with equipment, but as I consider some of the music purchase choices I've made, I must confess there's some real turds in this music lover's "collection".

Sophmore albums that follow a dynamite premiere and got purchased unheard because I knew (gullible) it would be great.  Albums by aging rockers purchased out of a (gullible) sense of loyalty. Albums purchased based upon a glowing review by a reviewer whose taste I like. (Gullible.) Solo albums by bandmembers that make you wonder how they they were in the band in the first place. Gullible.

Worse, I can't resist rummaging through the bargain CD/LP bins in brick & mortar stores thinking (gullible) I will find a treasure. 

Gullible?

Guilty!