I would argue that most people say they've moved away from free weights to avoid injury and because of injury is more than likely because of poor form. Most people honestly just don't know how to properly lift. Most is lack of every properly being trained and the rest is ego to look tough.

There is plenty of proven science that says the squat and deadlift of the 2 single best workouts a person can do for muscle fitness.

Again a squat doesn't need to be 500lbs on a rack. It can be as simple as body squat with the back against the wall.