My reasoning would be the opposite on this; I wouldn't think someone buying Ascends wouldn't be looking for sound best described as (just) "adequate". Someone wanting just adequate goes to Best Buy to buy KLH's on sale.
Also, not everyone has Sierra's. As much as I practically adore my 340SE's, there is no question (to me, anyway) that they need some help on the bass; including on music. But 340SE + an HSU sub? Music bliss!