Can someone enlighten me on what these magazines possess that you can't access for free?
Can't speak for everyone, but here is my perspective.
It is really the same reason a person buys any type of magazine. There are all kinds of magazines out there (gossip, fitness, etc)...for every topic, you could find similar information for free by browsing the internet, but you still choose to by a magazine. It is nice to have everything in one place. I read a lot about hockey and in the summer, when there is not a lot of hockey news and a magazine comes out, I can't wait to grab my favourite (it only comes out once a year)...it's a great read and I can take it with me camping or outside relaxing.
I typically buy Dobber, The Forecaster and sometimes another one. I also read the free stuff. I enjoy reading and I gather as much information as I can because I am looking for some type of advantage in my pool. Dobber (and some others) offer very indepth stats/trends/information. It helps me feel prepared going into a draft for my pool. I always do well in my pools...whether it is my own knowledge from watching games and reading free stuff, or knowledge I gain from reading the magazines, I'm not sure...but I do attribute atleast some of it to the magazines...especially because I read about all teams.(My pleasure reading of free stuff tends to focus on my favourite team). Also, Dobber updates stats and information based on trades, rookies, lines, injuries, etc (all in one place), but even for the magazines like The Forecaster, I enjoy going back to the magazine after a trade happens later in the year and read the scouting reports...It's fun!