Well the first thing you need to do is read a little more carefully. I specifically stated that *ONLINE* certs are worthless and industry certs are not a true reflection of a person's skill or knowledge related to real world environments
Sorry if you took what I said personally, but I was not singling anyone out. The general discussion seemed to be debating the worth of certifications in general, not just online ones. And yes, I do understand that time is the best teacher, but I more specifically meant was that the training you receive (or studying you might do on your own) seems a good way to gain a certain amount of knowledge faster that you might learn it otherwise.

For example. I was just promoted within my company to a security analyst. I like this field, and want to get serious about it, both for professioanl reasons, as well as personal ones. But by the time I get OJT sufficient to make me an "expert", the field will have moved on. If I want to increase my knowledge and credentials quicker, a good cert program might do the trick.