Online chess and openings.

I have noticed in a few recent online games that my opponents deviated from opening theory early, and generally to their detriment.  Why wouldn't someone use a database for opening play when it is legal to do so?  Perhaps they have a pet variation that is very off the beaten path, and are playing to get out of book asap, but leaping off the theory train and running screaming into the woods usually means making moves that at minimum have potential drawbacks, if not outright weaknesses to them.  For the other online players out there, do you consult a database, or at least your own notes/book when playing online, or do you just wing it?

A couple reasons for not using a database:

a) players are not aware that such a thing exists,

b) players simply want to test their own mettle [occ feedback], regardless of outcome or the way their opponent will approach the game. (There are those here who refuse to use assistance even if it is legal under the circumstance.)

As for me personally, though I no longer play Online, I always used reference materials.

*mettle

c) players are not happy with the amount of friction this introduces into the game play process. (Though props to Erik & co for integrating the Games Explorer)

I think that some people feel they are better tactical players and don't want to play the other players opening book.