Since I buy and don't tie , I try to get my $'s worth out of each fly. While I can't vouch for better results with "tattered" flies, I can state I don't notice much or any difference in their use. I have, however, fished many "must match the hatch" streams where THAT just doesn't work. Most of the streams and rivers I have fished lately in NW Wyoming have fish with a less discerning palate and seem to eat my presentations mostly based on color and less on their condition.

Mark