So where should the tubes be?

I prefer them in the pre and phono stage at minimum but extend it into amps with speakers that mate.

The only thing I don't like about tubes is the generalizing characteristics the unwashed put forth as fact ...
Tubes are still a very good choice to appreciate the music end of it that most fire bottle users focus on.
I left tubes when I had a slew of little ones with curious minds and hands. When I slowly got back into tubes again I realize now I stopped the revolving door that SS brought. Just my experience, not an enditemant  on SS as both can mimic the other to some margin. For me, for whatever reason others may claim for me, I simply find the music for tone and timbre more real to my ears and how my bit of grey matter deciphered it all.

@pauly

"I prefer them in the pre and phono stage at minimum but extend it into amps with speakers that mate."......

I am simply saying when the choice of speakers mate with a tube amps ability to drive them I will extend tube use and introduce a tube amp into the mix.
If speakers too demanding, SS is used for the amp. Sorry, thought mating speakers and amp was pretty basic needed thinking...

@pauly 

"I was just busting your balls as the term “mate” is often used to describe the activity that results in producing offspring. Matching is a more political correct term"

Politically correct term...lmao..now thats funny to me. I however stand by my terminology...mate... 
If you do it wrong your still screwed , right?