Yes, that is correct, all the do is provide the template tone, the 'one-size-fits-all' tone and then it really is up to u to mod it. It is a great place for patches, and due to personal preference, gear, etc, it may not sound good to u. For example, if someone created this 'Metallica' patch using an Ibanez RG321 thru PA/earphones and ur gear is a Cort KX Custom thru Laney LC15R, of course it will sound different, u gotta tweak it to wat sounds right for u. The tweaking process might be a bit labourious but it helps u to learn abt the capabilities of the Pod. Been downloading patches frm there for the past 2 years and never once complained. Patience is a virtue man, especially with with the Pod, but at the end of the day it will be worth it.