I have "rescued" rats from feeder bins in the past. Unfortunately I haven't rescued any rats from pet stores that REALLY needed it (other then to prevent them from being eaten). When I see a dirty cage with sick rats I can't bring them home because I can't risk bringing disease to my other rats. These are the rats who really deserve better.
I currenly have 11 rats and I am at my limit. The last rats I got were from people who could no longer care for them.

I did breed my rats once and the babies were wonderful. People told me that they were happy, healthy and "bomb proof" (not nervous of new things in the least). I do believe that first time rat owners should look for socialized rats preferably from breeders. While this is true I am not intending on breeding any time soon. There are just too many rats out there that need homes.