I did not read every post here this time, so I'm just jumping in. Basically.... does it really matter? Each of us do what we feel is best in our own situations.
Nothing wrong with paying cash if you have it, nothing wrong with buying on time either if that's the way you want to do it. Most folks (it seems) just can't plop down several thousands of dollars all at once, especially when you have young families. When the kids are grown and gone, or if you've never had kids, yea.... you probably have more disposable money than the person who has to spend $100,000 over an 18 year period to raise one kid! It makes a big difference.
Not everyone's income is a 7 figure a year income either! Bottom line is, we each do what works best for us!
Recommending to pay cash is good advise, but it's not always practical.