That old wives tale has been around forever and just won't die despite all the evidence and research to the contrary.

You have a long season so I'd buy a least a few new plants. Determinates are never pruned and doing so costs you much of the plants production. Also it is only an option for indeterminates. It is not nor has it ever been a "must".

Tell your family members that millions of tomato plants are grown every year with no "suckers" removed for very good reasons and they are the primary source of the plant's fruit. :)

Dave

Thanks so much for your advice Dave! I figured I should have stuck with my gut! They were doing so well too, but I think it's time to cut my losses at this point and start fresh! Lesson definitely learned!

Keep them. They can grow back fuller.