Whether you're looking for Messier objects, NGC or Caldwell ones or just want to see closer and brighter things, I see advantages to each approach. I've never used a go-to system and prefer the alt-azimuth type mounting for its simplicity and convenience so thus far have used star-hopping to locate objects. Nevertheless, with a go-to arrangement, one will see far more objects than without it. We have a friend who practically swears by the go-to feature on his 8-inch SCT and tells us that with his very long days of work, it allows him to peruse the sky wonderfully during the very brief times he has time to observe. The saying, "To each his own" applies to stargazing as well as to many other of life's endeavors..... the most important thing, regardless of your approach, is to go outside and marvel at the great beauty of our incredible universe! Stan