Well, Voodoo Chili, I've given the advice you gave many times myself. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to curb an algae problem that easily. Algae will usually grow (in at least small amounts) in a tank even if you're quite consciencious about water changes and light levels. I've taken my plecos out of my 55 (20% every Sat change with Gravel vac), and have many a time tried underfeeding my fish by a large amount (every 2nd day or so), and reducing light, but still have a bit of algae. I clean it when I see it.
An algae eater may seem like a quick fix, but if used correctly, they can be an important part of the tank ecosystem. Algae is, after all, natural. I'd tend to agree most with Terry, though. I think an algae eater that is larger than the cichlids could do a good job of algae management.