Disagree. 

The old adage of "know, like and trust" are hard to establish and build exclusively online. How well do you really know someone by reading their profile or exchanging an email or two?

I had one guy that I attempted to connect with on LinkedIn. He sent a note back that he wouldn't accept a connection request without meeting in person or through a phone conversation. (Honestly, I was taken back!)

However, his reasoning was simple. He felt that if he couldn't offer anything of value to the connection, there wasn't a point to connect. After we connected by phone (I was out of state), he told me he didn't need "numbers of connections." He wanted people he would know, and be able to build on the relationship. 

Taking your networking off-line will help build the relationships into possible referrals to you and from you. You may become the "go-to person" that appears to know everyone when you give good referrals that leads to closed business.

To a degree, I've taken that strategy to heart. I have to ask myself, What can I bring to the table to add value to the connection's life or business?

Cheers,
Todd