What does REFERENCE mean?

It is simply something that you accept as a standard against which other items are compared. One might infer that such a standard is superior to all else but the term does not directly imply that.

However, many do use that inference in using the term and, of course, many manufacturers attach the term to a product with the intention of implying the superiority of the product.

Kal

Well said.

An extra 10 grand!

Thanks for the clarification. It seems like reference would refer to an established common standard but I suppose it is confined to one's own established standard.