“Genealogy *buffs* might appreciate the LDS services, but serious genealogists don’t accept any documentation from there.”
That’s plain wrong. I’ve met many professional genealogists doing research at LDS centers. Some of the records require further documentation, and some don’t. Professional genealogists know the difference.
Let me rephrase, as you yourself note. Professional genealogists don’t DEPEND on documentation from the LSD to certify lineage. For instance, last I heard it’s not accepted by groups like the DAR/SAR where a direct line has to be established to a participant in the American Revolution.