I have considered going without a skimmer for awhile. I haven't taken the plunge yet. From what I have read, I believe it really boils down to a very healthy balanced tank and your stocking choices. The skimmer is there to give you a wider room for error I think such as in the case of a MIA fish or getting a little crazy at feeding time. Also alot of the softies seem to prefer a high nutrient level tank. I have read article or two on goniopora and they seem to thrive in more nutrient reach water which is one of the reasons they have a high fail rate in skimmed tanks. I have also heard people state that could be the reason elegance fair so poorly now compared to in the past.