[Delphinus]

I've looked at this thread, replied, deleted that reply, replied again, deleted that reply ...

I just don't know how I want to respond, I guess.

Going with MH is not all bad. It's not as bad as you make it sound to be. Granted, the cost of the bulbs is not very attractive. But, there are always options for the creative minded. For example, look at Dez's tank, lit by single 400W bulb that didnt cost him very much. He uses a photographic blue filter that shifts the colour of the tank to something moderately comparable to a high-K bulb (not quite, but pretty close).

I guess, what it comes down to, whatever floats your boat, it's cool. I know many tanks that aren't lit by halides, and they look nice. I personally still prefer the look of point light sources .... and I think that's cool, too.

I think, if you ever do get past that initial reluctance, after a year or so you'll wonder why you ever bothered resisting. But, maybe not. It does depend on what your goals are and what you hope to have in your tank. Halides aren't a "requirement" of reefkeeping by any stretch, I happen to make them the lighting of my choice, but that's just me, and everyone's preferences will be their own.