This is not aimed specifically at thunder33, or anyone else here, but this is something I have noticed over the years: Pinch harmonics are most commonly bashed by people who can't do them (or at least can't do them RIGHT). As in this 'example' conversation between a band and an auditioning guitarist:
Band member: "Hey man, that part would sound really cool with an artificial harmonic thrown in there..."
Guitarist:"Nah man, pinch harmonics are gay. I hate them."
Band member:"Well, it's kind of an important component of the style of music we play. Just throw one in right after that part...just to see if it works there."
Guitarist:"Nah man, they're stupid. I hate them. Anyone who uses pinch harmonics is stupid."
Band Member:" Uh, you do know how to do one, don't you?"
Guitarist: "Of course I do! I just don't want to do one...."
Band Members "Right. Whatever, man. We've got some more guitarists to check out. We'll call you." (Not!)
Anyway, the point is, that Pinch/Artificial harmonics are used by everyone from ZZ Top to Stevie Ray Vaughn to Zakk Wylde to add emphasis to a song.
Not every song or style of music calls for them, but there are tons of people out there that love them.