What next level is that? The same next level as the one "audiophiles" are on when they claim they can tell the difference between a 256kbps MP3 and the CD?
I'm not sure you can compare a persons ability to hear, with their athletic ability. Nice analogy, would be better if both were on the same page, ie. athletics. Nearly every human is given the same range of hearing ability, but not the same range of physical ability.
Take a baseball players bat, or a hockey players stick. Make that same analogy. Tell them that they can't tell the difference between their regularly used equipment and another piece.
Your original statement was bearings are bearings, and they are not, just like the articles you posted said.
I can't argue your ABEC statement and proof posted.
Personally I have a few specific skateboarding brands I use, the ABEC rating does not make a difference in my purchase decision though.
If you give me a set of bearings from a cheap pair of roller blades, and a pair of lucky's made for boarding, there will be a VERY BIG difference.
Placebo? Possibly, but after 15 years of experience I know there is a huge difference in bearing quality.