Actually I had attended psychology trainings as a consultant in change management. I say everybody is different in wisdom common sense. Some people need rituals to believe. Some people will direct to the truth. No matter which approach, the result matters. Those didn't pray but follow the basic fundamental teachings is good in my opinion compared to those who prays but didn't follow the basic percepts and vice versa.
But of course some method will stray off over the years. Most important is we share our opinions sincerely and it's their affinity with Buddhism whether they accept or not.