Is it fair to judge a place by its clientele

I recently ate at a new place called Clarisse* in the 7th and it brought home a dilemma I face reporting on restaurant meals.  How much does the clientele influence one’s opinion?  Let’s take this meal.  The place is 2 blocks from the American University and in the heart of American boboland, so the cafes and restos are going to be full of Americans.  OK.  I accept that.  But to be subjected to bad acoustics in addition to loud (ugly) Americans is not to be expected.  For about a week, I’ve only heard English spoken once, and that by Brits who kept their voices low.  Part of that’s because when alone, I eat in new places, not yet “discovered” by our compatriots and part of it is because I eat in non-touristy areas.  On some websites there’s considerable discussion of the American/English language snobbism, but sadly, I find that the presence of Americans, correlates strongly with the presence of loud, intrusive conversations.  In this case, the day I was there two American dot-comers, two French buyers of software and one Brit who seemed in the middle, talked non-stop at the top of their voices some thirty feet from me and the acoustics, like in Chartres, enabled their loud conversation to go bingo into my ears (and yes, I tried other secluded corners to no avail).    Contrast that with a recent meal** at Le Clocher Pereire in the 17th, where the packed house was 100% French and the music and conversation was animated but muted.  The meal was pleasant and I’m sure I awarded extra points to the place because of the lack of Americans, the presence of good sound-proofing and the polite behavior of the French diners.  Maybe Americans need signs with their immigration forms that indicate that one does not need to speak loudly to be heard and understood.  *My meal was on 2 October 2007. **28 Sept 2007.  Paid for both.    My favorite in the area is: Le Clocher Pereire 42, bvd Pereire 17th, (Metro: Pereire ) T: 01.44.40.04.15 Closed Saturdays and Sundays Lunch menu 17, dinner 29 and 38, a la carte 35-50 €.  ©2007 John A. Talbott