I think everybody's buttmeter will react differently. Some people notice a great deal of road buzz up through the handlebar and others do not. Some folks notice frame differences more than others. We hear on the forum and I've never seen dispute that a Fly with the boron/carbon tubing has a "plusher" ride than the Tetra or Luna. And the beat goes on...
I noticed the difference between the carbon and Thomson post on my Kestrel. I did not set out to notice it. I liked the Thomson for all the reasons stated. I just switched posts on my bike and felt the difference immediately. BUT that is my buttmeter. I also notice the ride of tires very much. I guess I'm just a sensitive guy.
Actually I was surprised when I noticed a ride improvement in the Kestrel. I had thought it just did not ride as nicely as my Calfee. The improvement I felt was discernable.
That said I would not doubt if Mike doesn't tell a difference. We are all unique in how we interact with a bike. That is why I always gather as much first hand information as I can, information passed on from first hand sources, reviews and such then I make my own judgment. Sometimes I agree and other times I do not.
My buttmeter can tell loose bearings in a rear hub. It is hard to believe that a butt the size of mine could be sensitive but it must be.