Interesting debate...
Personally - I don't differentiate between modellers and Profiling in the sense that its a different approach to get the same thing - a close representation of a particular amp rather than its own specific sound.
Everyone knows ( and if they don;t then they are creating their own hype) that profiling and modelling has limitations but as said the valve amp vs modelling/profiling is much more about accessibility to sounds...Would I prefer a "copy" of 100 amps done 95% accurate or 1 amp 100% accurate.....already made my choice.
Some people might be more excitable about how one does it better than the other but there is always something missing, whether is is true or perceived. A copy of the original can never be the original, right?
When credit cards came out, everyone said cash would disappear. It hasn't but has reduced...all banks had to adopt credit/debit cards to remain competitive.
In my view Mr Freidman needs to continue to make his great amps but embrace the changes by developing endorsed profiles and see it as an opportunity to maintain his business - which is creating great guitar sounds through his products. They should live alongside each other...
Its a bit like cover bands, without the original, there is nothing to cover.