Oh Jim, you've openned a can of worms....
I personally believe in skimming (especially if you don't do regular waterchanges and are dilligent with you tank maintenance). I personally don't believe in overskimming either, that's why I run a gigantic skimmer on my tank.
Of course you have to look at what you want to keep in your tank and what type of water conditions they like. Since you are keeping mainly softies, you can get away with higher nutrient levels.
If you are looking for a skimmer, my friend should be selling his CPR Bak Pak within the month...