The internet lead market for insurance is huge and growing by the day. It's actually one of the most sophisticated set of verticals in all lead buying/selling, but you're right. FE leads specifically have yet to take off. There's absolutely still value in them though. Obviously real-time leads (either generated by you or purchased from a 3rd party) are king, but aged leads aren't going away either.
Couldn't have said it better myself. It's a no longer a niche anymore but the problem is you have to have a background in it to truely be effective. Can't wait to get moving on Final Expense leads myself.