Just a general comment, not specifically addressed to anyone in this thread... but the discussion made me think of the fish buying process, and how we sometimes wind up (at least, early on as novice fish keepers) with fish that later just don't seem to "fit".
I try to think of a lot of things when I buy fish. While it is important to satisfy your hobby/fishkeeping goals (freshwater vs. Salt; Soft vs. Hard; agressive vs. Schooling community; color, size, etc...) it is also important to consider all other factors, like where they swim/live most of the time, compatibility (with their own species, and others), pH tolerance, temperature ranges, breeding, what they eat, what kind of tank they need (heavily planted, no plants, rocks to hide in, light tolerance)...
...but one additional thing is the "purpose" of the fish.
Some fish are just there because we like the way they look, or act, swim, eat (some people love feeding Oscars for example)- but sometimes you have to consider the "utility" of a fish as well.
Plecos are one of those fish that I think someone ought not get just because they like them... they have unique needs (love to chew wood, and some species will scratch acrylic tanks), create a ton of waste, can wreak havoc on planted tanks, are huge full grown, etc...
If someone got a Pleco mainly for algae control, I would suggest several other fish over that, as they would serve the same "utilitarian" purpose (and probably do it better) without all of the drawbacks.
So, for example- when I think of "utility fish", I start with what I "need done".
Need- "maintenance fish":
1. prevent excess food from getting into substrate and rotting, which would create excess ammonia and algae.
2. Algae cleanup
Then I check out my books, the net, ask others, and research which "creatures" (might not be a fish) can do that. And then, out of those fish, I check other parameters, and then after narrowing that down, I will choose what I like best from a "looks" point of view.
So for my tank(s) what I use for food that slips by and to the bottom of the tank, detritus cleanup, algae, and snail control are Clown Loaches, Kuhli Loaches, Amano Shrimp, Pygmy Cory's, African Pygmy Frogs, Oto's, pond snails and MTS, etc... They are a key part of the "success" of my tank- unique and interesting- attractive- not agressive- and don't create excess waste.
So- when you buy a Pleco, be sure you really WANT a pleco, and have the tank size and cleaning regimen to take care of it. IF you are buying it for algae control mainly, I would look elsewhere.
