all of this discussion is in its way diametrically opposed to the preferences of the largest majority of riders in my honest opinion whether they be Harley riders, Triumph or other metric cruisers.
Invariably it seems the louder pipes are preferred by most of us (in use other than stock pipes loudness being relative to the ear)
My Thunderbikes although not earsplitters are considered loud by non bikers I am sure.
None of us for the most part are happy with the sound of stock typewriter pipes.
I have only heard t bikes and Epcos and they are both loud when compared to the stock issues. The increased volume of these typical pipes we use on our bikes is certainly evidenced as preferential to us. Our bikes sound better coming and going. The increased bass tones the pipes emit are readily more apparent and pleasant to our auditory sense.
Virtually all the Harley riders I know worth their salt have louder pipes than stock. Most serious riders of Japanese cruisers also typically put aftermarket pipes on their rides.
Granted , loudness of pipes is no excuse for not attaining an acceptable level of riding expertise. But there may still be instances whereby the increased volume level might factor into someone hearing you that might not otherwise do so.
Just my .02 cents.
