i understand about the variables and also about the point of building the sound around those variables but i guess i was asking in a general kind of way I.E. im sure you can get a SM58 stable in a loud stage environment by fiddling about but by virtue of its design a OM7 will naturally, out the box do a better job.
i remember some years back when i bought my first mics. singing with a loud heavy metal band where "lets turn down a little shall we?" lasted all of about two seconds any time it was mentioned. i had a sennheiser e845 and a then got a beta58. now IMO the e845 is a "better" mic, sounds smoother, less grainy, more natural etc on close inspection. however i remember the first time i plugged in the B58 and instantly i could hear the vocal that bit more, making my job that bit easier as a vocalist.
i also agree that what makes a vocal stand out from the mix is kind of a matter of opinion/taste. as i said, is it a general presence ?, articulation ?, extra boosted mids ? or sheer volume difference ?
im guessing the answer depends on what you like/want to hear.
i guess its certainly possible for a vocal to sound present, up front, cut through the mix....... without stabbing the eardrums
just as its possible for the vocal to cut through and sound like crap. an example of that would be the last time i saw Judas Preist live. i could hear the vocal above the din of marshalls etc. but it sounded like it was only about two frequencies bands worth haha