There's no question that various non-toxic higher density loads are far better than steel, but it's a simple fact they're not needed to be very successful in capable hands. 12 & 10ga steel works just fine at normal ranges. If $500+ for 250rds of higher density NT are no issue, then by all means run high density. For those that may shoot 1000rds+ a season on waterfowl, it's simply not affordable and steel works just fine.
If you really want to have a ball of fun with superior performance to that of steel, check into 18g shot loaded in 28 and 20ga. For approximately the same cost of higher density waterfowl 12ga loads, one can have a much more lethal load without the high recoil.
