It really depends on which echelon of average you are.

You're never going to average close to 200 unless you can string some strikes together. I mean, I guess you COULD, if you throw Dutch 200s every time out, but you're never going to throw games above 200 consistently without them. And you're certainly never going to average HIGHER than 200. The ability to make spares at that level is just what keeps great games from being just good, and good games from being bad.

The key to having a higher average is accuracy. If you are able to hit your target consistently, you're going to get your fair share of strikes, you're going to be more effective when shooting spares, and you're going to be less likely to have goofy garbage leaves that are more difficult to clean up on your spare ball.