What are your views on UV lights?

I agree with you to some degree. I can definitely visually tell when the lamp needs to be replace or the quartz cleaned. If you have an ORP probe, you can tell by your ORP trends as well.

Here's my basic opinion on them. If you have unlimited funds and can afford anything you want, add it. i find them useful. However one has limited funds and can afford a good UV and a good protein skimmer or no UV and a GREAT skimmer, get the great skimmer.

 

I'm with you on that one;D

 

I bought one when I just got into the hobby when I had a severe Ich outbreak. I can't say for sure whether it helped with the ich or the algae but I can tell you that I still have it on my system although it has been unplugged for several months now awaiting the construction of a pond in the back yard.
My tank has been disease free and algae free with the implementation of a fuge, a lawnmower blenny and of course careful maintenance.
But if you can afford a good one, it won't hurt to have that extra bit of equipment.