Dawg, you ask a complex question and the answer is complex. For one, of course there have been advances and improvements in technique over the past 30 years. Also, the longer you've had your pouch, the more likely you are to develop pouchitis, chronic or otherwise. People are going to vary on what they find as acceptable. Some demand perfection and are unhappy unless they have function similar to a healthy colon. Others can be fine with chronic pouchitis, as long as it responds to treatment.
Most people fall somewhere in the middle. Consider me in the latter category. Since I *had* to have a colectomy or suffer dire consequences, I am fine with pouch, even though it causes problems for me. But if it caused me enough grief, I'd be OK with an ileostomy.
Also, pretty tough to establish a concensus on so few responses.
Jan 