I agree completely, but there are always many, many different sides to the research done.
First we have multiple tank size research and it's not always accurate IMO because everyone has their own routine when it comes to chemicals, water changes, etc...
Then we have Oceanic research that doesn't even compare with the home system because of the "unknown" factors. (Ex: Coral can and does grow in some brackish waters in the world)
Next we have the LFS research. They will tell us just about anything just to sell their stock. I'm sure a lot of you as well as myself has made that blunder.
Then we have the skepulation research factor. This isn't anything more than someone saying something, having others join on the wagon and agree with that person.
Everything, no matter what is a trial & error issue. IME if you don't think you can handle that awesome looking thing in the LFS, then don't buy it. There will eventually be another one thus giving time to sit down and read many many things, come to a conclusion if you are in fact able to handle it or if you need to do some alterations in the current setup in order to get to that stage.
It took me a full year to understand some of the basic algea I had in my tank. What it was, where it came from and how it affected the system. Sure I wanted and desired so many things I seen, but I knew I was not ready. I'm ready for SOME things, but I also know I'm not able or ready to go further just yet.
That's just my 2 tenths of a dollar though.
