Yes saving runs is important, as we discussed with discussing scoring rates, which you may have disagreed with if I recall correctly... But I digress.
But catching is literally taking wickets, and while most "safe" fielders may take about let's say 70% of chances, the greats like Kallis, Hammond, Simpson, Waugh, Sobers, Richardson, Hooper, Taylor, Barlow, Chappell, Ponting, Lloyd etc during their primes not only snared almost everything, they take the half chances that the "safe fielders" don't even attempt to go at.
In the last test in SL, during the 2nd innings I saw two changes go abegging that weren't even attempted. The great ones make a difference, and that's one hill I'm willing to die on.
Go look at some of Sobers catches, he created chances and caught balls at slip, leg slip and short leg (for the spinners obviously) that most are not even getting close to. That's why he was there (once required) and not in the outfield.
I've seen Richardson (and Richards to a slightly lesser extent and regularity) constantly take catches at 3rd that were unbelievable and that most just take an the half volley. That helped to elevate the team and the bowlers the same way that Waugh, Taylor and co did for McGrath, that Coney and Crowe did for Hadlee and the Chappells did for Lillee and I can keep going.
The slips have higher priority and impact. When the field is spread, then Sobers, Richards, Waugh and Ponting can roam the outfield and shine there.
