Classics and Cults. Bogus Journalism?

Classics endure, it seems, even as technology improves. Regardless of the new stuff, people still seem to agree that the AR SP-11 is a very good pre amp, that VPI TNT turntables are wonderful, that the Levinson 30/31 combination is a great CD player etc. Some, gear however, bursts onto the high end scene in a flash of glory, only to disappear off the face of the earth and never be mentioned again. What's going on here? I was thinking recently of the Crown Macro Reference, an amp that I never heard but I recall that it was briefly the best thing in the world with the high end audio press, only to never be mentioned again and presumably trade at deep discounts. There was another amp -- made in a garage somewhere -- maybe some of you recall the name -- that despite its low cost and simple SS design, was possibly the best amp EVER in the world. It was back ordered forever, only to disappear and never be mentioned again. Can anyone else think of products like this? Are these just spurious reviews or were the writers drinking Krug and Chateau Lafite courtesy of the manufacturers before sitting down at their keyboards?