Steve Schwartz replies to me:

>>A performance that does not observe all repeats as intended by the
>>composer cannot possibly be superb because it is patently contrary
>>to what the composer has made clear the piece should be.
>
>Unless, of course, the composer made a mistake or miscalculated.  But
>apparently the composer can never be wrong.  Sweet racket.

Given that the music is a product of the composer's soul, he is the only
one who is qualified to say what his piece should be.

-Jocelyn Wang
Culver Chamber Music Series