Sand vrs Bare bottom

I don't want to start an argument but I have a deep sand bed both in my display and my sump. I dose so I have not done a water change in close to a year. Most of the guys I know running bb are running reactors. I am not . I am running a skimmer. so what are the major arguments for and against one or the other. I have seen some beautiful tanks on this site and I know you guys know more than I. Please enlighten me.
Thanks.