So, yes, I'd also agree that the viewfinder is a significant benefit from an ergonomics point of view in many occasions.

Still, I notice that many great pictures are obtained with compact cameras, often admittedly "advanced" (like the G11/G12 by Canon), but still w/o viewfinder.

So, probably there's a component of subjectiveness and habit and "tradition" in handling style, in that.

Also, one may argue that the lcd, especially when tilting, is in some occasions a benefit over viewfinder as well. I, for one, do miss an lcd like the one in my G11 when using the reflex, in some occasions.