MrSelfDestruct,
I posted a similar "recommendations" post earlier. Here's my take....
I know my home geography fairly well, including its popular boards, reviewers, etc. I can usually research fairly quickly and efficiently based on what I've observed in my local market over the years, reviewers with good reps, the good/bad providers, etc. Over time, like anything you may study, you become proficient at it.
I recently find myself traveling about 50% each month. Each city is a new "market", each with it own different "behavior" patterns, popular boards, good areas/bad areas, etc. Let alone, with this amount of travel and good looking single male, traditional dating could be difficult under this travel schedule. So, while I could spend a few hours researching each new market, the reality is for me, a business traveler, I am lucky to have time to check-in to my hotel, hit the hotel gym for a workout, then meet colleagues for dinner, etc, let alone spend a few hours on the internet researching. Shit, this week, I've been to three cities, I haven't even turned on a TV all week. I've completely lost track of the line on the Superbowl (go Ravens!).
For example, I posted earlier this weekend. I ended up getting lucky at the hotel bar Friday night, so I am happy for the moment. But, I am in town through late week and may investigate many of the fine recommendations and PMs I received, assuming I am able to wrap up my business engagements in a timely fashion during the evening this week. Hell, maybe I'll even get lucky again at the various bars/dinners/receptions I am attending this week. My point being, TER/Hobby is a "Plan-B" for me.
Is that so wrong? Isn't the the whole point of these boards and TER? Just like I may watch CNBC each morning for some good stock tips, but ultimately I conduct my own research based on those recommendations? Damn, would you buy a stock blindly on a Jim Kramer tip - I hope not! But, he may give you a good lead or two!
My point is, under this time crunch and the everyday rush-rush of life, I simply do not have the time to conduct my own exhaustive research. So, I post a question, rely on friendly hobbiest such as yourself for some "leads", then research on TER, Google, etc. F
My two cents from a business traveler, who uses the hobby as an occasional escape & fantasy, or has a few weeks drought of the more "traditional/vanilla" dinner/drinks approach - haha. 
Sorry for the dissertation and rambling - I've enjoyed a few of your fine SD micro brew pubs this evening with a business colleague & his wife this evening. I hope my comments are useful and insightful!