Jeff you described a LMB crowded pond (the other extreme from a GSF stunted pond). Archer's problem is , unlike yours, that there are adult GSF there ahead of his stocker fish. You had adult LMB to keep them in check. Absent adding adult LMB as noted by GW or other mgt methods the GSF may well dominate the pond and stunt. Both types of problems can be managed with work and time. As Bill often says "it all depends".

I would guess that the vast majority of time GSF are present in ponds , absent active mgt. the result is what Cecil and Bill (previous thread)described. You and DIED's situation is indeed the exception and not the general rule. In many parts of the country the major problem faced by pond owners is the dreaded GSF or BG swarm and stunting - it is a very real problem if unmanaged.