I am a relative newbie to the world of photography and underwater photography but I think that there is nothing wrong with being a purist and striving to get the shot right in camera.
Do you really want to be thought of as a photographer or a photoshop artist. That's the real question.
As for contests, there arecategories for all types so why the beef?
I am most happy when I download a shot into lightroom and it doesn't require any changes to make ME proud of displaying it. That doesn't mean I don't do any post production work to other shots that NEED it though.
I really don't see what all of the fuss is about.
Alex, you have some amazing shots and when I am looking at them, I don't ask myself if you did any production work to them, I just enjoy their beauty.
Thanks to all of you that inspire me to continue!