Pee pads are great for small dogs. (We use a litter box with washable pads and an indoor grass potty.) If someone has a problemo with it, oh well.
I have never liked forcing my dogs to hold it for a long time if I am late getting home due to unforseen circumstances, I want them to have the opportunity to relieve themselves.
My first two dogs (25 lbs and 5 lbs) were outside trained, and i decided when I was adopted by my first Yorkie, to pee pad and bell train her.
Pee pee pads were a life saver for my senior Maltese who was outside only trained, but at almost 14 years old when she started her kidney decline and limited bladder control, I was able to train her to use the pee pee pads in about 2 months time.
All three of mine are outside trained as well, but when I am not home, they will use the box or pad if needed.
To each his own for sure, but there is nothing wrong with using indoor pottys (for the smaller guys, lol. I don't know if I'd want a great dane pooping inside, lol)