I haven't heard HPMs, so I can't pass judgement on them if thwy, to my ears, are better sounding than JBL offeerings, but, owning later-model white-coned 3-way Pioneer CS-201 IIs (looks like a poor man's JBL L100), and owning JBL 2-way L46s, I have to say, I really like the build quality of the JBL brand.
I'm primarily an "east coast" sound type of fella, but I'd be very happy, maybe even thrilled to own some JBLs like this, or the above mentioned L100s.
JBL makes some great gear.
I feel bad you missed these- they would have been a great addition to your system.
I wish you luck in the future, my friend.