You're spot-on about permeability being underrated. When I redid my patio a few years back, I went with natural stone because, well, aesthetics won me over. But after a couple rainy seasons, I had puddles everywhere and algae popping up like crazy. Ended up retrofitting some drainage channels—total pain. If I had a do-over, I'd seriously consider permeable pavers or gravel grids. Maybe not as fancy, but way less hassle in the long run... hindsight's 20/20, right?
I get why permeable pavers are tempting, but honestly, from a budget standpoint, gravel grids aren't always the cheaper option long-term. Had a neighbor who went that route and ended up constantly topping off gravel after heavy rains or snow removal. Regular maintenance adds up over time. Maybe a proper slope and compacted base under your natural stone would've solved the puddling issue without sacrificing looks? Just throwing it out there...
