Surely the size of the sinker would depend on whether you are targeting a certain specie of fish, and the angler's age and strength to handle the heavier weight to load the rod's action for distance.

For general fishing I find it far more satisfying to use the lightest weight the rod is comfortable handling. I use headless anchovies rather than pilchards, the heads are removed on an angle so when the frozen bait defrosts, the gut cavity contents will leach out forming a small burley trail.

I avoid break out sinkers whenever possible, but obviously if there is a current running then they are necessary. However, I appreciate that from the number of anglers who always use these sinkers regardless of the tidal conditions, I am very probably in a minority. Nothing unusual there.