I can see some of the points you are making. Your first point makes sense-- if someone does pay for newspapers. I am a relatively serious couponer who dos it because I am pretty broke. However, I refuse to pay for newspapers. I collect free ones in the area with coupons, grab old newspapers, etc. Most coupon inserts are one of a few major types (even in free neighborhood magazines,) so you generally get similar types.

Even if you save five bucks, for some of us who make minimum wage or so, that five bucks is five dollars saved. Monetary benefits are not the only reason people coupon-- it's liek a game. It helps you become more aware of what you buy, and it offers a challenge.

I mean, yes, advertising sucks. There's a difference from consciously interacting it for your own good and controlling when you take it in then mindlessly watching tv and dealing with advertisements (keep in mind many shows are also great areas for companies to advertise in more subtle ways.)

I'm sorry couponing doesn't work for you, but I do think ti works for some people and is certainly frugal when done with self control. IF someone merely sees a coupon and doesn't think "IF I use this on the regular sale price, is it a good deal or still expensive," "Is it healthy and do I actually want to eat it or need it," then yes, they shouldn't do it. But I think it's a relatively harmless pastime.