Aside from the HBG pond, our other ponds haven't had any BG stocked in almost 40 years. Still healthy, viable populations in all of them, with sizes ranging from fry up to nearly 11". My point is that genetics are important, but I believe they are trumped by good water quality, plenty of food, and appropriate predation and/or harvest.
As I've stated, there is usually nothing wrong with adding fresh genetics responsibly, but the basics need to be in place first. The mindset of adding a "superior bluegill" and expecting it to solve a pond's issues is exactly why HBG got a bad rap in the first place.
I don't believe in a magic bullet bluegill of any strain or genetics. You cannot simply add them, forget them, and expect great results. Certainly not long term. Implementing a sound management strategy/plan is needed to realize the full potential.
