I see your point with the commercial air compressor as being overkill. But it could also be that it would hardly run with so little amount of air being used by an aeration system. Regarding the PVC, that would only be used if the compressor were located away from the pond. So there would be 200 feet of buried pvc to the pond, then weighted line in the pond. This would keep electrical service closer to the service panel instead of providing pond side electrical.
What are all of the readers using for their aeration systems? Having a pros opinion is welcomed, but I'd like to hear what others are using and to share their opinions.