If anyone has any doubts about skimmer socks, I would tell you to perform this little experiment before you definitively make up your mind.
Install skimmer socks on your skimmer baskets and then cut your grass.
I figured I'd find a bunch a small grass clippings that would normally get through and I'd really be happy.
I cut my grass yesterday and checked the socks this morning. What I found was amazing! The socks were full of the finest clippings and silt you could imagine! On one skimmer, it was about 1/8th of an inch thick!

I'm sold! skimmer socks are here to stay.
Yes, they are just one more maintenance item, but IMHO, well worth the trouble!