It's no secret that I love all kinds of digital and solid-state gear. I've used a Kemper Profiler for almost every lesson and course since 2015. The Quilter Aviator would be my grab-and-go combo of choice for any small gig. My credentials as a technology enthusiast are unimpeachable.
Having said that, the unpredictability of tubes can produce some wonderful sounds. For example, listen to the little harmonic overtone at about 0:28 seconds into this video.
I can't prove that the same thing wouldn't have happened if I had been using some kind of digital or solid-state gear, but all I know is that as I played that bend, that squeal jumped out of the amp like it was possessed, and I just don't experience that kind of thing with my digital or solid-state gear.
There is still something special about hot, angry electrons in a glass furnace. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯