I agree, it is the same old argument. the hydro guys such as myself bitching to the soil dudes about speed, and yada yada. However, whenever your trying to create stability in a unstable market diversification is always the best approach.
Personally I also have always had any funding needed to build top of the line grow rooms, so I can understand this guys willingness to explore new technologies and try to make when reduce the chances of failure. This being said I always was a hydro only type person. After my research and reading on here I started doing soil, after I didn't make it to my AeroFlo120 in time and had a major burn. Having the double line of soil plants running between my 120 flo, saved my business in this instance, and allowed me to continue on with my expensive ass research/hobby/business.
That being said why not do both.
This way you have the chance of making off with more bud faster=hydro
As well as tastier bud that takes longer time to finnish but with a much higher chance of success, and lower chances of burning=soil
I love Aeroflo2, but jsut as with any hydro system they can fucking torch plants with the PH is not checked 2 times a day, as well the EC/pmm and water levels.
If your buddy really has the loot to throw down, then really you want to put together a system that reduces your chances of failure, not just anything you think is cool.
Error is what causes shock. Shock is what hurts yields.
Spend all that $ on reducing error.