Apologies if it came across that way. I understand the need to acquire certs for job opportunities - do what you need to in order to get your resume looked at.Bit harsh but good certifications like Cisco at least prove some knowledge and capability.
Yes you need work experience to back this up but having a minimum cert requirement would stop a lot of people hiring corruptly as happens all the time.
But to me they don't really prove any technical competency. If someone brings them up in discussion I do not give much merit to them. Tell me what sort of things you have built, worked on, maintained instead.