I like some of those whitepapers, but it's like getting married to the vendor just to ask for one! Nag nag nag nag nag. Solarwinds has some great ones (and tools), but their sales team must be really board when I download them because I usually have a salesman on my phone before the download is done!
End of the day, I just remind myself they are just doing their job, just like I am, so I try to play nice.