All instruments amplify sound.

While this is dangerous territory to attempt to present a rational argument this is exactly what is needed here.

Amplification is not the problem per se (dare I use latin on this forum).

It is the amount and the quality that are the issues.

It is also quite nasty to put all "sound engineers" in the one category.

So, basically, amplification occurs at every stage of sound production and occurs when we perceive it as sound (inside our ears).

Sound engineers need to know their instrument (PA system) and have to know their audience. The good ones do!!! And these people are invaluable. It is wrong to say all sound people and all sound systems are incapable of producing good music amplification.

A little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing (and anecdotes are not a basis for rational argument).