How important is the sheet thread count?

On my recent mystery vacation, I asked a lot of questions about random things where ever we stopped at. The B&B innkeeper told us that people under the age of 30 always ask what the thread count of the sheets were.  I could only guess the thought was, higher the count, the better the inn.  I buy a high thread count sheets for my bed, but it's because they last longer (don't pill) than the cheaper brands. I'm guessing people don't know that hotels can't use cheap sheets because they would not last very long in the commercial laundry machines they have to use.  B&B by law (in CA) have to have their linens dry cleaned, cheap sheet would not last.  Do you think it's true if the hotel/inn uses high thread count sheets the better the place will be? Just wondering if people really make their decision on where to stay based on the sheet thread count.  What do you think?