well, You seem to be taking this 'all value is relative' (which is true, and the reason why capitalism works.) thing to mean that changing the branding of your product is no different from making your product better in a measurable way.
I disagree. Sending the consumer false signals is a very different thing from actually producing a better or cheaper product.
no. Marketing does not need to be manipulative or deceptive. In fact, if you are not anonymous and not going away when the company dies, deceptive or manipulative marketing is probably not long-term effective.
Pointing out that you exist and that your price is X and some other measurable attribute is Y is ethical, I think, assuming you use consensual channels, and that your price is in fact X and your other measurable attribute is in fact Y.
So yes, good marketing is honest and is important for both the buyer and the seller.
I disagree. Sending the consumer false signals is a very different thing from actually producing a better or cheaper product.