With regards to the carbon dosing, it is more effective with a protein skimmer.
Chances of a successful reef tank also increases with a protein skimmer.
Your argument veered towards not needing a skimmer in general at least how I understand your argument.
But sticking to carbon dosing experience, I didn't get much out of it without a skimmer. But that is just my experience. Yours is successful and let's leave it at that.
