Bubbles actually help in filtration too. I have a deep tank (44") and I only use a sump with an overflow so I'm only cleaning the surface water. I put a bunch of air stones on the bottom of the tank and I can see the crud from the bottom getting lifted to the surface and then down the overflow to my sump.
I like the look of the bubbles in very deep tank too. Seems to be intoxicating watching them.....
Massive yes from me, I had a tank with a closed lid on it, I left the air pumps off one night and 6 fish were dead the next morning, plants produce oxygen during the day and use oxygen at night! my fish effectively suffocated to death!
Egon got a pic of your bubblers? Would love to see them in a 44" deep tank.
I'm not a huge bubbler fan. They do however have there place and are a useful addition to an aquarium if you like or don't mind the look of them. My filters all get heavily aerated with the way my filters are set up.