Yes and no. Free weights are the better of the two choices, but machines are head and shoulders better than free weights for solo trainer safety, which is a problem for us guys and gals trying to "fit it in" to our schedules, as well as beginners.
So, I don't discourage people from machines simply because they aren't optimal. They have their place. I generally use the rack to bench. I love the AirDyne and Concept 2, if those count!
Any exercise is better than no exercise. And yeah, things like bench press you should ideally have a spotter for. Myself, I stick to the five lifts from Rippetoe's "Starting Strength" (a recommendation I got from HN of all places!), so squats I use a power rack with pins, and overhead press, deadlift and power clean need no spotters. Bench you can do without a spotter if you leave the collars off (just dump the plates on one side, then the other), but most gyms frown on that.
Machines are actually worse than free weights; you don't get a full body workout, especially all those stabilizer muscles that help prevent injury.
> hardened against injuries.
I can second this; while I've not become extremely strong, I credit strength training for my lack of broken bones after taking a 600ft tumble down a hard pack snow slope. Strength training in recovery also helped me heal faster.