This is a really great thread. It brings the 'nature vs nurture' topic to the forefront. Although I am new to the hobby (won't say business because I don't have any plans to breed in the near future), I think I would have to say I would lean to the side of nature.

I believe that everyone is a product of their environment: if you stay inside and play video games while young as opposed to playing outside in the dirt, how will you ever develop a working immune system? If you cut the egg before the hatchling is ready to exit the egg are you not disturbing the natural cycle and possibly throwing the snake's instincts out of whack?

Maybe growing up on a ranch raising many different types of animals has given me the view of hands off as much as possible. Not only is it less stressful for all involved, it also decreases the work load. Just my $.02