Hi Tom,
I don't think your question is dangerous. I think you will find that the members of this forum appreciate fine guitars no matter who builds them. As far as the brightness of the guitars I would not attribute that to the Elixer strings. I like the elixers a lot but they are not a very bright string they have a little more of a broken in sound and last a good length of time. The comparison between the Martins and Taylors that you played may well have a lot to do with which body size, shapes and types of wood. A good comparison for instance would be to compare a Taylor mahogony dreadnaught to a Martin Mahogony dreadnaught both strung with the same strings and both with sitka spruce tops.
If you are currently shopping for a new guitar than buy the one that sounds the best to you. I think you will find however that for the most part the Taylors are a more playable guitar all the way up and down the fretboard.
Have Fun!
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