HT,
One thing that we often overlook is that weeds are terrific structure...they provide the very best shelter for young and small fish, and grass shrimp. The problem comes, at least for me, in finding a balance between fishing and the need for the positives provided by the weeds.
I agree with you that aeration doesn't do much if anything to reduce weeds...at least the bushy pondweed or Niad or Chara that I have. However, if you do use chemicals, the aeration is invaluable to reduce risks of fish kill due to low DO and/or help remove decaying dead matter.
Do you fertilize? Fertilization is the reason I have trouble (understatement) keeping weeds in balance. Before fertilization, my grass carp and Tilapia controlled weeds and algae. Now after fertilization, the algae is still under control while Tilapia are present, but the weeds have exploded.
My own objective is not to totally eliminate the weeds, but find a good balance. I need Reward for now, until I can re-establish control with grass carp, to achieve that. I am absolutely certain that once I can get back in control again, a balance can be maintained without chemicals...but that also means no fertilizer, in my case. That's my thoughts, for what it worth. Maybe didn't answer your questions completely, but did my best
