He probably think that because there are so many ways to earn them for free, however I know that a lot of FTers buy them when there is a 30% bonus offer for example. You can also be quids in if you buy them to use for upgradios. ie: The difference between a WT+ and CW fare can be in the thousands, whereas 31200 Avios (enough for an upgradios and change) was £399 in the sale just ended.