I guess if you use these for a log-style database, write only backup (e.g. a replacement for tapes with better random read), you'll be happy. But for a general purpose drive they suck.
I'd say you are probably right on this - it's interesting to consider how these companies actually function - sometimes the core product has been free - for a long time - and yet for services like YouTube - now there are paid options.
Can you imagine an internet search engine with a paid option? Perhaps a personal search assistant who sorts through all the junk to find what you are actually after? It may well happen.
As someone whose started a company with a "free product", seeing how it's been monetised has certainly been eye-opening.