Here's a possibility that everyone missed. Although it is much more likely that the front-end guy was recommending new struts instead of stating that the job could not be done without it, there is a failure that could have made him right. Personally, I would have asked him to show me exactly what caused him to make that decision.

If the shaft seal had started leaking and allowed the fluid to escape, eventually there would be no lubrication for the top (internal) strut bushing. The offset stub axle, where the wheel bearings ride, creates a high lateral (side) load at each end of the strut. The unlubricated bushing will wear causing an oblong hole and loose fit. Yes, the strut would have no damping, and might even be noisy. Lifting the car and supporting the lower arm will make it easy to tell if there is loosness there. The shaft would have scuff marks in the working area if it happened.

I have seen this happen on 3 different cars, all long overdue for struts.