You do have some point memehunter First off that "no direct buy-in" thing is actually quite interesting. Actually here with the free rolls or that tiny 1x-2x wagering requirement you're basically getting a free shot at some real cash. If you're gonna be betting anyway why not get a free crack at a poker tourney? And if you hit during that wagering boom it's yours.
The only reason I believe people are not too frequent at these games is because the casinos sometimes put rules of a must wager before you can participate in these forum poker events.