I'll sign on to this. Last time I went to Salt Lick it was basically inedible. Just terrible. But everyone I was with, just raved about how great it was - but they haven't taken the time to go to some of the Austin greats. Same at my office - we have had bbq brought in from many different places and its pretty much mediocre unless I'm the one ordering it. Regardless, they love it even if it isn't great.
I used to think BBQ was ok, but nothing great. I felt the same about steaks. Then I had good bbq and I learned that it can be incredible when done right. Then I moved to Houston and learned steaks need to be eaten medium rare (not well done which is all my mom will eat and all I had growing up - no wonder I didn't like it and doused it in A1). And now I love steaks.
Its ignorance really, but you can't really blame them unless they've had really good bbq and just choose mediocre. That said, even mediocre bbq is still pretty good, which is why alot of people don't care that much to put in the extra time to get the good stuff. I drive by Goode Co. (about 5 minutes from my house) to go another 15-20 minutes to Pinkerton's on a regular basis. But I'm willing to make the effort. I don't think most people are.