I can't answer the poll, because IME it really depends on the type of fish you are keeping. Obviously live rock is a must, DSB a maybe then - I am running a FOWLR with a sand bed protected by egg crate. However, the portion above the sand is being disturbed constantly.
In my own particular circumstance, I would have opted for a thin layer of larger substrate in retrospect. But I am addressing the need for triggers to pick up/carry/play with stuff....
