I have some hives that have stored well over summer. Some, however, have not. The hives that have stored REALLY well are helping supplement the weaker ones, but I'm going to end up feeding everyone to discourage the robbing a bit.
It can be a tough call sometimes, I think, at least for me. I had a couple hives last year that I let go because their lack of ability to forage and store was so profound that I didn't see the point in letting them continue. Even with syrup, they'd only consume what they immediately needed and not store anything. I'm still seeing signs of that in my apiary, but making progress in weeding it out.
So, no, I don't think it's hogwash to feed. But I think there is some selection involved.