my 2 cents:
i lost several kings in the ocean before i got the knack of barbless hooks, i was losing them right before the net get just a little slack & a head turn & they are gone...

i like the barbless no because sine I have kept the line tight throughout the process I haven't lost one & it EASIER & FASTER to shake off the native silvers... (so i am willing to agree that they are helping keep more alive)

the down side to barbless is i seem to get more hook ups with barbs & using barbs i don't really have to be that careful (=i can be lazy) when bringig in the fish & last down side is that since i was so careful bringing in the fish & de-hooking it, it is perfect shape when it runs into the gill net (the ultimate conservation tool)...