I'm not as expressive as Mr. Sangrey but obviously I disagree. From my point of view, the although the sound is changed, it's not for the better. Regarding what was going socially and politically, interesting theory, just a theory however. I don't see a bunch of other musicians who had as much to say as him feel they couldn't say it through their tenor or alto. I can dig the argument about wanting to say it louder since the idea was to go electric at the time. Witness the rhubarb when Dylan went electric. Perhaps that's the nub. Electric was fine but somehow the varitone didn't do the same for the sax as for the guitar.
I hope you're not grouping me into that class of people who don't like organ since I'm a big fan of it. Also to bring up the "r" word for people who don't like organ (and there are many) is quite divisive to say the least. But I do see your point somewhat about the historical/social milieu since I grew up in the 60s. Although I may agree with what you have to say about liking/not liking the varitone, just because I understand the historical/social background doesn't make me like this gimmick any more. And it was a gimmick. I don't see that much of a benefit to it. And something having a benefit doesn't sell records. After a while he gave it up and returned to the alto/tenor where he made and had some big records.
When people remember Sonny, it won't be for the varitone, thank goodness.