ditto. agree, sarge!
There are folks that do have ponds that are ultra contemporary/modern in look and style because that's what they like. For example, I've seen a pond locally that is raised above ground with a very modern block and with windows cut out in the side. It certainly was flashy and cool in it's own way and the fish looked beyond happy with the excellent water quality. The pond was several years old, but looked as if it had just had water put in it that day--all shiny and slick. It was beautiful in it's own unique way for sure. I saw a pond in California modern house that naturally had a pond that was as equally as modern as the house with an infinity edge and everything. Totally stunning in that proper setting matching an ultra-mod house.
Personally, I have a preference for a pond that has a more natural appearance in the landscape. Lots of stone and plantings around it, etc. Almost as if it's just a natural spring that has popped up in the yard. I like for it have a definite "aged" look, like it's been there forever. And that includes algae not only for appearance, but also for the health of my fish. Mind you, perhaps people are confusing "algae" with that that pesky blanket weed, stringy algae that is a pest. What I'm talking about is the not more than 1/4" green "coating" that covers everything--you can't even see my retro bottom drain because it's covered in this algae and it just blends into the pond liner (also covered in algae). Heck, even the air tubing heading to my air stones is covered with the stuff so they are difficult to detect. I have a large property of 3 acres that is mostly naturalized with lots of large trees. There is substantial lawn area too, but we try to keep everything looking natural in order to cut back on the tremendous work a more manicured lanscape would require. My house is in the farm-house style, so the pond looks like it's in an english garden and includes a lovely 3 1/2 foot tall curlie-cut wrought iron fence with gates surrounding it (these are not only pretty to look at, but protect my children from getting near the pond and also from predators getting in. When I step within the fence, it's as if you're in a little wonderland. I am adding some more walking paths and mulch around the pond at the moment that I will finish this weekend. Have to move a rose bush that's in the way of the path i'm extending--but I will shoot some pics and post here next week so y'all can see it.
As you said quite accurately, this thin coating of algae is very much the sign of a healthy pond and makes a good feeding ground for all the creatures that inhabit our ponds. But I respect the choice of others to rid themselves of it, if that's what they want. I really do think it's a losing battle as it is what will naturally develop in a pond--and if it means having to haul out the fish to bleach out the pond, I do think that's an extreme step. I try not to catch a fish unless I feel it has something I need to look at more closely or if I need to cull a fish that is no longer wanted because I have acquired a new specimen.