LP vinyl had another virtue in permitting large-format artwork. For example, the work of Vaughan Oliver for a number of albums on the 4AD label, is now regarded as such original design that it is exhibited in art museums completely separate from the music. However, once CDs overtook vinyl he and other designers found the small size of the new format very limiting.
This is one major reason why vinyl had a comeback in the new millennium: so many of the people buying that vinyl didn’t even own a turntable, but they wanted something to exhibit as home decoration, and hanging vinyl records up on the wall has long been a favourite DYI project.
I would add that physical media has its own charms beyond simply the art (which I love). Removing vinyl from the sleeve, finding the perfect spot to drop the needle, flipping the record- this is all very pleasing if you enjoy physical objects that are engineered yet beautiful.
I have reel-to-reel, minidisc, digital audio tape, and cassette in addition to CD and vinyl. I find reel-to-reel hardware fascinating. Well-built machines are heavy, with tactile switches and buttons that are very pleasing. I can get better audio quality from a minidisc player the size of a deck of cards - but with r-to-r you get this lovely machine spinning about, counting time while VU meters dance.
Obviously the hardware is part of the experience for me.
FWIW - cassette can actually sound fantastic. They often did not, but the capability is there. The Sony Walkman’s I still enjoy are delightful to listen to and operate. Just for fun I bought one of Taylor Swift’s new releases on cassette (yes, she sells cassettes) and was a terrific audio experience.
This is one major reason why vinyl had a comeback in the new millennium: so many of the people buying that vinyl didn’t even own a turntable, but they wanted something to exhibit as home decoration, and hanging vinyl records up on the wall has long been a favourite DYI project.