The fact that you disagree and then attempt to use keyword rich anchor text to aid search engine rankings in itself is a dichotomy.

However, to address your point, suggesting to use a suitable site architecture and implement changes to aid in information retrieval and rankings is clearly a benefit.

What is not stated is, yes, you still have to market your product or service. I assume that under this premise you would arguably place pay per click marketing under the same umbrella, yet millions of business turn a profit from both SEO and SEM every day.

If you are suggesting something, then let it be at that, but to come here and make a statement, then bring something to the table instead such as how to craft a value proposition, the A.I.D.A. model or something tangible or simply be labeled as someone building a back link using a counter-stance to what is proposed.