Why do we care so much about WB?

Suntan - it seems to be a failure in English comprehension, I fear.

My first post said "after the fact" - "unless you have taken a reference shot". My implication was that a reference shot -ought- to be taken - for after the fact, ie in post. What can "after the fact" mean but after the shutter action: in post. I'm sorry that you failed to make the inference.

2nd post - it is still my opinion that the second kitchen shot is poorly balanced, and is ony moderately improved in a later edit.

3rd post - I said "Exactly" to your post. I disagreed that what you showed was a valid white balance reference. I use that type of reference occasionally, but for colour checking, not WB. They are not the same.

My experience with the various versions including Colorchecker Passport is that it is not up to the task. Canon says that for a reasonable WB, a true medium grey reference should be shot, and that it should largely fill the frame.

I am not trying to be snide as you were, but to make clear what I thought was important. I have no need for reinforcement, kiddo.
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Clive