I like foreign films, and subtitles are a necessary evil that I've managed to turn into a subliminal skill to minimize distraction.
I think this is the correct posture, yes. I realize a lot of people who hate subtitles are just being thoughtless ("I don't want to read," or worse, just as a cover for not wanting to venture outside their comfort zone), but I think it's important not to overcorrect for that by pretending they're
great. They're necessary to enjoy great works of art in other languages, but it's not at all how the work is meant to be experienced, and it obviously detracts significantly from anyone's ability to focus on acting, cinematography, etc.
I don't like people who keep the captions on for everything, which has been a growing trend a of late, and maybe you've come across them or may even be one yourself. I don't know why. I don't care to ask.
I don't technically qualify, but I turn them on
occasionally, and though you didn't ask, I'll tell you.
I'm simply struck by how often it's difficult to make out what characters are saying, often when they're saying things very important to understanding the story. This is sometimes exacerbated by, say, a thick accent.
It's possible my hearing is below average, in which case I think that would be a pretty good reason for anyone to do it.
I avoid it when I can, which is most of the time. I particularly try to avoid it for things like comedies, where timing and surprise are a huge part of the appeal, but there are times when it's clearly a net loss NOT to use them, and for types of films that don't lose much as a result.