I had the same experience, had some work done and I went in as they were finishing up and out came the silicone. Talked to the tech and he has been using it for 30 plus years without an issue, guaranteed it would work and when I sold the unit 5 years later is was still perfect.
Like he said there is a huge difference in arm chair quarter backs and professionals. Use what you are comfortable with. I have used silicone for years for various uses and in some situations I am fine with it, in other situations I would stay away.