Endurance and Strength Part I

Every time I open up a book that focuses on strength training for endurance athletes I crack up. It's always about sets of 15 to 20 reps of different strength training exercises.  Often the reps are at less than body weight.  If an athlete weighs 165 lbs (75k) and does sets of squats at 150 lbs (68k) how does that help. If that's the case it's why not just cycle or run or swim a little longer, at least the reps would be at body weight.  Agree or disagree take the poll.