Well Alan, I never thought that I would say that you are wrong, but you are when it comes to lightning/ surge supressors.
The trees in my back yard have been hit twice, my ham radio tower twice, and the power pole once. Some of my Tripp-Lite surge supressors were damaged, but the electronics that they were protecting are still working today.
You have to be careful that you have the all AC power, cable, telephone and any other wiring properly protected, but it can be and is done. The "key" seems to be a common point ground.
In any case, I really agree with you about power conditioning!!!!!
Regards,
