It's still a moot point though, you really need spaced cardioids to get
the
time differential aspect of natural imaging.

I strongly disagree. Coincident, intensity based methods
are in wide and sucessful use. It's a matter of taste.

The time differential that is recorded gets so munged by the
time domain mangling that speakers and rooms effect that on
reproduction it in no way resembles what was recorded.

I agree, it is a matter of taste. For example, you could take that whole
response and replace time differential issues with intensity issues, still
100% true.

There are times to say "people's stereos suck" and make comprimises, but IMO
distant micing with spaced mics for acoustic instruments never does more
harm than good if done right.