To each his own, YMMV, etc. This is kind of akin to the honing with tape/no-tape controversy, except with scotch.:D
Sometimes I'll do a little water with the stronger scotches, and I know purists scoff at the addition of ice, but I swear that with the bigger Islay malts especially, it sweetens and releases loads of other flavors (at least to my tongue). I like to try a new bottle in a progression until I find which way I like it best: neat, a little water, a cube or two).