I think most people who oppose using treats greatly misunderstand the role of treats. You aren't using the treat as a bribe, you are using it as a reward. It's a way to convey a message that the dog did what you asked correctly. The first time you ask a dog to sit, they do it, you treat. Now the dog(after a few reps) should know what the word means and should do it. If the dog doesn't, it's either time to take a step back if the dog is confused or use leash pressure and reward once the dog sits if you are sure the dog does understand the command and is just defying you.
You use the treat as well to load a marker word such as "yes" so when you don't have treats available you use the word alone. The dog isn't working for the food, it's working for you but also getting a reward. Slowly you start to phase out the treats and just use the marker word. It can also be useful for dogs that get way too excited with big praise and petting(like my dog). If you have a dog that is too distracted by treats then maybe praise is a better alternative but if you are using treats the dog should be working still for you, if you are doing it right.
I have a great relationship with my dog, she loves me and is very excited to see me but she was trained with treats. Do I carry treats everywhere? No way but she listens because of me. These days I ask for 5 or 6 commands before I give her a treat unless I'm teaching something knew, but she gets her positive marker word after each success either way which is a reward for her.