If you go to sciencedaily.com and search on 'placebo effect' you will see several studies on this - very interesting reading. One article mentions that the 'medical ritual' of taking pills has an intrinsic value in some cases. From other articles I have seen, placebos show benefit to the patient in the areas of pain management, depression and fatigue. Interesting topic, and may suggest that those with differing viewpoints may both be right.