Just a suggestion: You are entitled to have your opinion but you wont change anyones' Mind about Bates and his music; I dont think that theres much need to argue further.

For my part, I'm probably one of the more 'Bates-friendly' People around here. I like some of his Scores ("Watchmen" especially) and found merit in others (except most of his Horror-Scores). Judging from the Samples, I even could put together a decent Suite for "Conan" (comprising the few calmer Cues). Even so, I hold Poledouris in much higher esteem than Bates, given the general enjoyability of his Output and the number of memorable Themes.

If you adore Bates' Music as much as you seemingly do, then I have no problem with it. I respect your standpoint, even if I dont quite understand it in regards to Poledouris. But theres no use defending this Standpoint to the death.