Honestly this hobby is what works for you. I'm just stating my experience..
That much we can totally agree on. I was simply stating my experience. Everybody budget and schedule are different. Some people think a 5 minute water change once a week is outrageously expensive and time consuming, but that automating the rising of 15 unique elements and mailing off a $50 test every month is better. Head scratcher to me, but it is what it is. While we are on the topic. The number one most annoying piece of maintenance in the hobby to me is maintaining a gfo reactor. Some people would never consider operating without one though.