Are on-page optimization tools becoming outdated?

[Talooma]

So from what I've noticed, Google is using a lot of semantics in their algorithm. When it comes to using a tool to determine on-page, keyword/phrase factors, most on-page optimization tools check exact matches and give you a rating and suggestion based on that. What about synonyms and "natural", related terms?

My question is, are these tools becoming more inaccurate by not using semantic/synonym checks?

[Debdulal]

_I do not think you should be using on page tools for checking out keywords density and all that. No, these tools are obsolete long ago. But yes you can always use Screaming Frog for checking the following on page factors -

pages with duplicate meta data
Pages with double h1 tags
Pages with meta data
Pages with 301 and 404 response code_

[Talooma]

I'm referring to on-page checkers that our clients are using to check for themselves (including SEOmoz's one), and it gets very difficult to explain to them why the tool isn't the most accurate. In the end it looks like we're not doing our job.

[Debdulal]

_Yes, there are some factors that I do not think apply any longer like - _

Keyword Usage in Bold/Strong/Emphasized/Italics
Keyword Usage in URL [not possible if you are targeting multiple keywords]
Keyword Usage in Image Alt Attribute [we should not be focusing on keywords only while creating alt tags for images]
Exact Keyword Usage in DocumentExact Keyword Usage in Page Title [not that important]

[dmccarthy]

I am beginning to think that these factors as outline my @Journeyman actualyl can get you some penalty points. And end up reducing your overall ranking.

I think it is as Matt Cutts and Rand have being saying for ages. Write content for people not machines.