I've never listened to Thiel before. So the CS5 measured great, but didn't sound as great to you subjectively in your room?
So we have 2 options:
1) speakers that sound great, but measure not as great
2) speakers that sound great and measure great
I suppose there are other factors as well: aesthetic, brand name (B&M vs ID), cost, resale value, pride of ownership, and others.
I suppose if the speakers sound great and measure not as great, but is more aesthetically pleasing, has better pride of ownership and resale, and cost less, etc, I could see going for Option #1, IF the measurement isn't as BAD as Bose.
I guess we all have to draw the line. We're all different.