I don't have a problem with a column in a magazine that discusses a prototype. That has happened lots of times, especially in columns covering CES. One manufacturer has been using his prototype speakers for years now. They sound great and have garnered many favorable comments, he just hasn't got around to putting them on the market yet.
The idea of giving a prototype a Golden Ears award is a completely different animal, though. I'll repeat myself: I can't wait to get my copy of TAS.
As for reviews, I think most reviewers do everything reasonably possible to see how a given component works with various others. All marriages are not made in heaven, and the reviews show that. Some components just don't play well with others, and I suppose there are instances where the opposite is true. That being said, there is a lot of great gear out there.
