Like most things pondish, I think it comes down to one's goals. I apply dye to one of our ponds, and would never consider going without it, at least not in the pond's current configuration. This bow happens to be the HBG pond, and in this case I consider mother nature to be my adversary, not my ally. I want to control the DO levels, food chain, aquatic plant growth, everything I can.
Her goals and mine, simply do most mesh in this instance. In this case, I'm not convinced that a natural setting is best. Trying to live in harmony with nature basically means letting her win, and that is counterproductive to my goals.
I think a more natural setting allows for a great deal more flexibility.
