I would say it is more about mythologizing than any real difference. I've used Carl Zeiss, Rodenstock, Schneider, Nikkor, Rokkor, Hexanon, Sekor, Fujinon, and a host of other optics. Show me a picture and I wouldn't be able to tell you if it was taken with Leitz optics.
Good optics are important. They do make a difference. But I have never found any particular manufacturer has an optical "signature." Except maybe Holga/Diana and Lens Babies.