It's not that items were useless for me, it's just that I didn't like using them because they're consumable. But I'm over that so now I spam items like a mofo. I even put on the Auto Potion ability in IX for the first time :o

Usually items are used out of battle though, to cure effects and whatnot. If ethers (or other MP healing items) are readily available then I will just hoard them, and leave status healing items and health healing items as a backup.