What are you really after?

Well 1 is a factor to the other but the end goal is always to get into the music.  Resolution, dynamics, low noise, low distortion, extended frequency response….all go into that. 

Are "Perfect resolution" and "Gets you into the music best" really the two top goals?

My top priority is the reproduction of the natural timbre and texture of voices and instruments. The second is their image size and scale, including height within the soundstage (I want to be looking up at the singer, not down at he or she).

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The more "perfect resolution," the more it "gets you into the music best."

I didn’t realize that these goals were mutually exclusive 

I think it is hard to answer this question precisely because resolution is an attribute and getting into the music is a result.  If the question, which has been asked many times, is whether a resolving system is the most musically pleasing, it's I guess a matter of priorities or taste.

I have found that various system configurations work best for one type of music or genre, and when I change, my music tastes follow a bit. One version great for electronica, another for classic rock, etc. Just like with different genres then, I will switch up the system and have fun in a different genre for 3-4 months, rinse and repeat. 

All of that said, my goal has always been to meld a bit of "club sound" good tight but also powerful bass with higher resolution to get as close to the best of all worlds as possible.  

In the end, have a beer and a drag off the volcano and enjoy the music.