I agree that there is no need to have all the high end brands to make a good tank journal or a successful reef tank. One of the local reefers I know who always has the most spectacular tank does it KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) and like you, there is no sump (or even a skimmer) on his systems. Regular water changes, paying attention to what his livestock are telling him, and a certain "touch" in instinctively knowing what he's doing seem to be the keys to his success. If you're able to keep sps and have them thrive, then it is of interest to other reefers here. I'm not an sps guy but I'd still open and read your tank Journal thread
Anthony