I've even had an affiliate manager tell me (in the course of doing some paysite reviews) that they've left sites un-updated but still sell them as live sites, and started new sites simply because "affiliates want *new* sites to promote".
No... we want DECENT sites to promote
LOL Ones that convert AND update (retain). I've reviewed SO MANY sites that don't say in either the tour or the members area how often they update, how much content you get for your membership, and then get inside to find 20 x 15 minute videos and tons of shitty blurry video captures posing as "pictures". Next! And they're usually GREAT site concepts, just poor followthrough. Like you've said, I can't imagine what little does convert would actually retain for very long...