Yes there are too many variables to make a true assessment without a lot of empirical data collected and unbiased tests completed.

ie: Feather's tend to feel sharper, yet we all know they aren't necessarily sharper then a traditional straight, they just have a special Teflon coating that avoids the pulling sensation of either a less sharp razor or poor razor angle.

I would think mechanical sharpening has its advantages, consistency, accuracy if dont properly like MParker762 suggested with a laser guide etc..., but it's drawback can be that it's limited to mass production material qualities, types of steel, and ability of the grinder itself, whereas the human is only limited by his knowledge,skill set, and tools available to him/her.

I prefer the "art" of traditional shaving, the hand worked razor, etc...,but for 4 years I got a perfect bbs with a DE(manufactured edge) without a hiccup.

This isn't a call to say one is better then the other, because I would always opt for the straight over the de, in-fact I dont use a DE anymore ( havent in over a year and 1/2), but this is a "traditional" method not necessarily a "better" method for shaving.

Cheers
David