These type of polls are useful in a general way. But, more of a Rorschach test of peoples preferences of formats.
As surround sound enthusiasts, we have to take whatever format is offered and like it. I’m fine with whatever people like, or don’t like.
Generally, because there’s a CD layer, anyone can play SACD, at least in CD quality in stereo. Blu-ray might be more common, because of AV home theaters. I wouldn’t give up completely on DVD-Audio: a lot of us here can author DVD-A discs. And for the smaller artist, DVD-A might be chapter to do short runs than the cost of doing Blu-ray. Not sure about the manufacturing price difference.
So, the question I’d like to know is, how much does it cost to manufacture a SACD? No one, and I mean no one has ever answered this question.
What’s the different in manufacturing costs between doing DVD-A and Blu-ray? If the cost is about the same, and CDs add an extra expense, maybe BR, with CD quality Flac for download with purchase might be the best option from the Artist viewpoint.
But, if the cost of adding CD isn’t too much, you might get more buyers of a title. Even though it’s simple for us to burn a CD, not everyone can or wants to do this. I have friends who are still very much into CDs, and either don’t have the equipment or want to hassle with burning one.
In the end, it depends on your target audience, manufacturing costs, and if you want to reach the maximum amount of music fans or not.