[jan-jaap]

Same here. In addition to the post weblacky linked, I've also been bitten at least twice over the years trying to do a fresh installation on a disk that was developing media errors. Once you've wasted an evening chasing mysterious hangs in a newly installed system, you will make sure the hardware is sane *before* you get started. I also have a habit of running diagnostics tests every time an unknown system lands in my lap or I piece something together from parts.

So for me this is not just about erasing information, it's about establishing trust in the hardware before I invest my time.

NB: there are different methods of exercising a  disk. I imagine that a butterfly test (random I/O) stresses the hardware, but seriously, a disk that doesn't survive a sequential wipe should be binned.