I often notice that people who have open reel decks and/or tube equipment are nicest

That's simply not true.  The nicest people are the one's with meters on their amps.

Both of those relatively high maintenance 20th century technologies go for a premium price these days and require a special level of patience and dedication for sure.

Also gotta say I have never met a disagreeable Ohm Walsh owner. No joke!

They say good sound can have a calming effect on the soul and I agree with that.

We could do a study here where we compare systems of the grouches versus the good guys and see if there is a correlation to the systems they listen to. Could be the most meaningful study on good sound ever! I’d bet fatigue is a key factor. Also boredom.  Make it so!

I have a tube pre and meters on my amps...my friend who has all tube gear and 3 reel to reel decks is as nice as anyone I've ever known...

They have to be nice because dealing with all the reel to reel frustration and lack of available things to listen requires a certain amount of tolerable skill. and Dealing with people as we know is incredibly challenging.