I never learned sign. Despite this, ASL is so expressive that I understand about half the words without training. Watching someone sign expressively is like watching dance (and the two are sometimes mixed). I don't need the words, it's beautiful.
Lots of folks feel similarly about opera.
It sounds like you've formed these opinions without ever exposing yourself to the things you have opinions about.
I don't have anything against it. I just think it is hyperbolic to say most people enjoy it on par.
Like I said in my original response, that's ok. It can be a valid art form with less mass appeal. More people like swift than Miles Davis. That doesn't invalidate Miles Davis.
Are you claiming everyone can "easily appreciate" a Spanish language singer as much as one they actually speak?
"Hearing folks can as easily appreciate a talented and expressive signer as a vocalist. " is a silly claim.
If that were the case everyone would be going to sign language concerts they dont understand.