Correct me if I am wrong, I believe iTunes downloads/ streaming sure sounds better than any cassette or 8 track you would buy at the store back in the day. Plus, much of FM was noisy , etc. the masses listened to am radio. I remember purchasing many records and opened up to find crappy vinyl remember dynaflex),warps and god knows how many pressings were made past the stamper life.
Neil Young has taken advantage of hi Rez with his blu Ray audio releases. There is nothing stopping him or any artist from making hi Rez versions available.
Neil should take his arguments to other musicians and impress upon them good recording and mastering techniques. Crappy recordings sound crappier in Hi Rez