Shift kits.. do you really need one????

Buddy owns a trans shop. He does not use shift kits, a drill here and there, perhaps a bit of welding here & there to obtain firmer shifts. He has told me time & time again there is nothing to be gained by having the car shift as firmly as some folks seem to think it has to....only thing that happens is busted parts. Sure you will find some folks that say this is complete bs......to each there own....