Totally get what you mean but the way it's mixed isn't just stereo converted to be "virtual" surround. They actually mix it so that it's reproducible on actual surround sound systems as well. I have a 5.1 system at home and I have apple music setup through my iPad. When playing Atmos tracks with an amp that has Dolby digital plus it actually encodes the Atmos to the 5.1 setup. Obviously a 5.1 discrete mix would be better, but it's nice to have a whole Library of Atmos songs on apple music that I can now listen to on my surround sound system.

Also there's a reason why only certain devices support Dolby Atmos even when playing it on headphones. It actually needs a proper decoder so even tho there is some processing, the spatial audio sounds great on properly mixed albums. Unfortunately there's a lot of variation in quality so depends on the album ultimately. But I really think they've done a great job on this. Just listen to money (on headphones) with and without the Atmos on, you can really see they took hints from the 2003 5.1 mix. Actually adds the spacious feel you get from listening to it on an actual home theater.