ThinkOrSwim seems to offer a real-time data feed, with charting, for free if you have an account with them. I've just subscribed to a data feed because I do API programming, automated trading etc.. But for people that are using the feed to feed their charting software, why wouldnt we just use think or swim and save on the data fees and software fees? In other words, what is thinkorswim missing that motivates anyone to buy programs like esignal, quotechart, etc
From what I've gathered here, you're pretty much an amateur unless you break the $500-600 threshold for monthly data expenses. Otherwise, yeah I see your point...but if you want to sit at the cool lunchtable, you better be shelling out the dough.
Many people trade other products that TOS doesn't offer. (different futures, options futures products)