Hi! Making SEO my profession was an outgrowth of seeing an SEO company jerk clients around. Yes, there are many that are out to get a payment and are not really interested in developing your website into a truly relevant resource. This is the prime reason why I am starting my own SEO company. Not content with simply optimizing site to achieve higher rankings, I and my partners are web designers, developers, database developers and generally hardworking people. To say that all SEO companies are "Not worth the money" implies that the person making the statement is not in a position where they pay others to do specialized work. Optimizing search rankings for websites is nothing other than hard work. (If you meant that automated submissions and come-on style SEO advertisements aren't worth the money, then I fully agree with you).
There are 2 types of SEOs; Type A relies on search engine algorithm manipulation. Type B is paid to invest time effort and expertise into their client's websites. If you want to talk to me about why type B is a worthwhile investment, email me and we'll work out a time to talk.
I am invested in redefining what good SEO is and would love the chance to spread the word! Thanks!