1) I have no argument or problem, a person is free to do as he pleases, its his life or his kids or grandkids or building that's at risk NOT mine.
2) If local codes or local authority or some inspector say a method is okay and approves it, that's good enough for them or the consumer, no argument here
HOWEVER THAT IN NO WAY MEANS IT THE BEST,,,,,,,, OR THE SAFEST (for sure),,,,,,,, OR EVEN THAT ITS CORRECT,,,,,,,,,,,,OR THAT THE NEC ADVISES IT.
Based on my education, training, and experience as an AC Power Distribution Engineer and my reading of the NEC Section cited below, I ALWAYS SPECIFIED ANY BUILDINGS ELECTRICAL SERVICE BE CONNECTED TO A GROUNDING ELECTRODE AND WOULD DO THAT UNLESS AND UNTIL THE NEC CHANGES OR MY ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE CONVINCES ME IT SAFER NOTTTTTTTTTTTTTT TO DO SO.
However, yall feel free to do as you please, no argument from me, its your life at risk not mine, but based on my engineering knowledge and education and experience, I just happen to agree with the NEC (even if some jurisdiction or some inspector in some State doesnt) and if I engineer a job or install a service at a building you can bet your life IT WILL BE CONNECTED TO A GROUNDING ELECTRODE
If anyone wants to do it different, if anyone thinks for whatever reason its safer NOT to use a ground rod etc., that's fine no problem with me ITS YOUR CHOICE, but in my trained experienced PROFESSIONAL opinion, its its safer to use a ground rod and comply with the NEC experts advice.
National Electrical Code, NEC Article 250-50
Premise’s Electrical Service
A premise’s electrical service shall be connected to a grounding electrode system consisting of a metal underground water pipe in direct contact with earth for 10 feet or more, if available on the premises, and a supplemental electrode (a rod, pipe, or plate electrode.) An additional electrode shall supplement the buried water pipe electrode
Fun post, thanks to all, hope this helps, feel free to not ground if you like..
God Bless n yall keep safe now
John T Long retired Electrical Engineer and rusty on latest codes so no warranty