Just put in a new kitchen sink and wondering if anyone else struggled this much

"Honestly, sealing just feels like extra $$ and hassle...not convinced it's worth it."

I get where you're coming from—I skipped sealing my own sink a few years back thinking the same thing. But then we had a minor leak under the rim that went unnoticed for months, and trust me, dealing with the moldy cabinet underneath was not fun or cheap. Ended up having to replace the whole bottom shelf and repaint...lesson learned the hard way. I still don't obsess over sealing every year like some people recommend, but now I do it at least once every couple of years for peace of mind.

Curious though, are you guys using silicone or plumber's putty around your sinks? I've heard mixed opinions on both and I'm wondering if one holds up better than the other long-term.