Same here. I remember when they started the no free download movement. It sounded legit but free downloads are a really good way to promote yourself:
Someone downloads your track (even if they're not gonna use it), someone walks in the room and ask who made that & they say "your producer name" produced this & the word spreads from there. I heard from someone that's actually what helped to make people like JJ and Vybe get huge in the first place... Free downloads, promotion & spreading the word.
My whole point is don't follow them too blindly. You have to learn to make your own decisions, and trust your gut. What works for one person, doesn't work for all.