That is total B.S.  Most fansubs I've seen are 
done better than the "professionals" distributing 
them.  The quality of the product varies based on 
who does it- there are some groups which are very 
dedicated and do a great job.  
As far as things being bought right away, if 
that's the case, it's only happened just the last 
year or so.  Most of our anime has like a 2-10 
year lag from a run in Japan.  Eva movies, for 
example, are only scheduled to be released in 
July this year.  Sailor Moon Supers is almost 
done being released this year.  Utena black rose 
saga has still not been released.