What's the point - another peeve

[MeatPounder]

I honestly believe that proper use of underlined text does serve a purpose in marketing. Used properly it can be a strong tool in influencing the surfer. Web pages are a visual medium, and underlined text is a strong statement on par with bold text, and in some ways a stronger influence.
There is a reason that underlining web links became a norm. Is it as effective on a web page as in printed media...I think so. And as it was brought up it does draw the surfers attention.
But what do the search engines think about underlined text? I have heard say that it is indeed another way that robots recognize keyword emphasis.
That I am not sure about but it is mentioned a lot by presumed "experts" in the SEO field.
But again it is just another marketing tool in a visual sales medium...it has it's good point when properly used, and it's drawbacks when used carelesly