@richard - dont you ever fertilize your garden or your flowers, just to get them to look their best? there is a huge difference between growing and thriving...
It is clear that there are many approaches to the planted aquarium, doesn't the onus sit with each person to explore these approaches and find what works for them. The natural approach has its merits as do all the other approaches. I'm definitely considering trying the natural method at some stage, but for now I'll go with the dosing approach - especially as these are my first tanks and I'm really just getting my feet wet.
Fixed. @ Richard - Not everyone is content with just growing low light easy plants. You'll always have your connoisseurs of aquatic plant keeping, willing to spend thousands on substrates\lights\ferts etc. to get the absolute best out of their plants.