Yes it is true, and they are VERY important. I have never been a fan of machines. They DO help teach good form though. I would suggest getting a barbell and dumbbells. Maybe switch off week to week between the machine and free weights. I love doing clean and jerks, you can't use a machine for that. How about deadlifts? Looks like it has a nice hack squat though, don't bother doing leg extensions, it isn't a normal movement, and you can risk injury. I've been doing more and more box squats and have seen great improvement in squat strength and flexibility, especially in my hips.