I would never buy an "optimized for iTunes" master, but if the same album is mastered for multiple formats and we have a choice, then it's fine. Alot of producers are also mastering for vinyl too now.
Garbage. Just f**king buy the CD or download from bandcamp in WAV format (if offered). That is your "optimized" audio, f**k itunes now trying to get all high-tech with their audio because of Bandcamp.