I took a large drill bit to my 4 and 5 gallon buckets and left a few without. Complete night and day difference in how fast the pots dry out between those with holes and those without. Are they as good as air pots? :dunno:I have never grown in air pots so I have no idea.
But in my opinion from actually trying it myself and observing the difference between them, I think there are definitely gains to drilling holes in them versus leaving them. If you're broke but own a drill and don't plan on having a need to hold water in various gallon amounts, drill away brother!