The use of offensive items

Is it just me or has the need for throwing items that deal damage or change the opponents status etc been lacking throughout the whole FF series, or at least the ones I've played.

With FFX. the only item you would 'Use' was Al Bhed Potion basically. In FFIX, I don't remember any instance where I went to the item menu at all. FFVIII, I didn't even have Item-J equiped most of the time. FFVII they were just plain useless. FFVI, you'd throw old weapons but that's about it.

Who really needs Smoke Bombs or M-Tentacles etc?