> A lot of younger folks don't care about audio quality

I think its also the fact that most easily accessible listening devices are shit. Cheap earphones that come with your phone or that you can purchase easily? Shit in 90% of cases. Want wireless buds for under $200? Shit once again.

You can get good audio quality for an affordable price, but you have to be into the hobby to even learn about it. I wouldn't even blame it on lossy Bluetooth protocols, it's more about the shitty V-shaped sound signatures.