I got this as gift from a student a few years ago (how did he know that an insulting autograph from Sir Bob was top of my wish list?)
Is it a fair point? Probably.
The truth of the matter is that the bass is certainly more ‘immediate’ than other instruments and is technically less difficult to get a pleasing sound out of straight away than, for instance, a violin.
But does that make it any less legitimate? I don’t believe so. But then again I’m ever so slightly biased…
So thanks for the insight, Sir Bob. Now jog on.