Those promoted methods are tools that helped specific parts of the person who witness's its success. Many forget that they are just that, tools, and temporary, for nor are they that make you the person you want to be (you still have to do, no tool can do that), nor are they always the best tool for the next challenge you'll meet, therefore keeping you at a certain level, and yes, making you feel like you are "optimized".

Few forget that all these things do is get you out of your own way. You don't need to buy anything to do that... You alteady are the character you want to be by just doing it now.