I don't negate nor question others success in growing R.wallichii (for example) in their tanks. But I don't have any reliable info about the real conditions present in these tanks. Someone may have success growing R.wallichii when dosing EI levels of nutrient, but to be honest, we know nothing reliable about the real nutrient levels in his tank. It is possible that some nutrients may precipitate in his tank (Fe, PO4), some nutrients may be bound by natural or artificial chelates, thus their actual concentration in water may be very low. Other factors may play role also, which he may not even notice. This is why the controlled experiments are so important.
You say, "Just because one claims that they have high CO2 does not mean it is properly distributed through out the tank or is consistent for everyone". But I may say, "Just because one claims that they dose high amount of nutrients does not mean these nutrients are really present in the water". So when someone says he grows R.wallichii under EI method, such statement has a poor information value.
You may say whatever you wish, but it does not help other's,nor does it make you right without question.
If one adopt's a dosing scheme (any scheme), then they know what amount's of nutrient's they are adding and that are present in the water at the time they dosed them along with those that may come naturally to the system (fish waste,fish food's)
Now if one ask's.. can can they dose less or more and achieve their desired result's ? Yes/maybe no.
Plenty of evidence that this is so.
EI method is a good place to begin, for it is unlikely for one to see deficiencies at the outset of planting their tank as a result.
This get's one closer to being able to provide for plant's while maybe substituting,reducing,increasing nutrient 's, for their water condition's or plant's as needed.
This is more difficult to do if the plant's are dying from the get go due to deficiencies.IMHO
EI method was/is not carved in stone as Dr. Barr has said many, many, times, but is hugely successful for many who have adopted it and then went on to post some of the photo's of tank's in the photo gallery here,and on other forum's I visit.(many adopt EI dosing scheme)
I'll float my stick with the method that produces the best result's for me, which is modified version of EI for my low tech affair's however unscientific it may be to the geek's with the horned rim glasses, and pocket protector's, that appear all too often with no useful number's as to what might be too much or too little in the way of providing nutrient's ,but are all too quick to declare that EI method is the boogey man.
Without number's..all one can say is the sky is high,and the Ocean deep.
It is just too simple for them and an irritant, that so many seem to be able to have good to great success with very little science involved ,which leaves them feeling irrelevant to seething at times as evidenced by their disdain for EI and it's creator (though they often deny it).
Humorous to me ,but little help to new comer's seeking an easy way to provide for their plant's while exploring the scientific aspect's, and anomaly's at their leisure.
