You should not break the rules just because you saw some web site.
If they don't care about correct page descriptions, that does not mean you should do the same. If you have time and will to make it right, do it and you'll not regret.
To cheer you up and prove my point, not that I really want to, but have a look at this search:
web developers group - Google Search
You will find my web site "SkyByte.net" PR=2 on the second page among 650.000.000 results by 3 main keywords. I managed to line up with PR=5-7 web sites, so what does it tell you? My web site is just 6 months old and I have exchanged links with only in 3-5 web sites. It just grows by itself and I just keep it updated. I have submitted to "0" directories !!!
Follow the rules and make clean design, it will help you. I hope I made my point.