Of course.. didn't want to start an arguement there
I just quoted your post because i was too bored to go to the original actually lol! but it was for the same topic that's why
I believe that as long as you can render most of the scene someone wants it's better and it creates better results! especially on dead time as you say. But even so, when you need 1 hour of render time for a smoke let's say, when you can do it in post in 5-10 minutes max, i think it is worth it. This 1 hour can be less time for another render that someone can start.
and yes.. i know what you are saying because i spent too much time on tutorials for post software.. so.. I get you