I rarely buy magazines wrapped in plastic for exactly the reasons given here. I need to have 2-3 good projects in a magazine before I will buy it. If I can't see what's in it, I am highly unlikely to buy it.
I'm with Weezy Rider. I don't want all that other garbage that many magazines have. I have no use for those magazine that just highlight specific quilt shops, unless there are some excellent ideas for quilts in/from that shop.
Plus, I really don't need to be buying more. I have enough magazines and books and individual patterns to keep me busy for the rest of my life.