Indeed. In the six or so years I have been online, I've never relied on a webcam for anything regarding my DS relationships. In fact, I've never even owned one or had a submissive that did either.

I have asked for pictures on the occasion, but not as proof of tasks performed. I usually ask for them just to see if what was done fit the picture in my imagination, and most of the time the submissives I have talked to have surpassed anything I could have imagined.

I think that reliance on a webcam might be showing a lack of trust. I also think that visual assignments are the barest tip of the iceberg. So much more could be gained from written assignments, because they are what gives the biggest insight into the submissive mind. How does watching a submissive wank off while you diddle your own tool give you a glimpse of what's in the submissive's thoughts?

I think it is far more creative to go without pictures and video and rely on brains and skill in relationships.