Very true, Jacques.
I've heard comparisons of a low pitch (A=440hz) to a high pitch (A=457hz) instrument of the same make and model by Paul Cohen and I do like the brightness of A=457hz more. However, the main reason why lower pitched intonation standards caught on was because of stringed instruments. I've also heard some orchestras playing on period instruments from the 19th century and earlier when some even lower pitch standards were common, like A=435hz. It does make a difference in the overall tone of a work. It also kept some instrument makers employed: for woodwinds and brasswinds, you need different lengths of tubing to go from A=440hz to A=457hz (for instance). It's too much to compensate for with just an embouchure adjustment. Strings? Adjust the tuning pegs ... well, until either the string or the instrument snaps.