I haven't lost a 2 footer to herons, but I did lose a 9". I'd be really bummed if my 7 year old was picked off.
I think you're cool with letting the big guys and gals eating most of their young, accepting the fact that herons seem to really like 6" and less fish and sell/give the 2" inchers to local fish stores. I'm a big believer in keeping a great pond, but letting Mother Nature take the wheel so I can do other things. Here;s a pic of my pond:
(EDIT) freshly non rinsed gravel gave it a Caribbean color for a couple of hours.
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