it starts breaking down in a few years so you just have to keep that in mind

It can also be hard to re-wet if it dries out.

Thats kind of a pro, not a con....

Agree with Gabby, but it breaks down even faster for me. I generally used Reptibark, which is a bit larger chunks than is recommended, but conveniently chopped up for me already. Trouble is, it turns to compost in about a year. I've had some plants rot because I did not notice the change deep in the pots. My plants are all outdoors, so I wasn't overwatering, mother nature was. She tends to overdo it in the summer! ;-)

I do still like using a bark based mix for my Holiday Cacti.

Brandon - it's funny that you don't like the look of gritty mix without bark it and I think it looks better without. LOL Different strokes . . .

My gritty mix is pumice, and I add both bark and pumice because I like the way I find roots in the wood.

Depends on the climate. I only grow with organic matter in the mix and mesembs and gasteria are in straight C&S mix. If you are in a place where humidity is high, organics in the mix can cause problems but for me, plants grow much better that way

I used to use 25% bark mulch in my mix for many years with no problems. Don't use it now since it is harder to get as a fine mulch. Breaking down shouldn't be a problem if you are repotting every year or two. Even if it does break down, my mix has used 25% potting mix also so it simply adds to the total of organic content. Not an issue with most succulents and cacti in my experience (and I have a number of plants over 30 years old and still growing strong with this mix).

I'm in your same zone (6) and haven't had any problems with bark even with bi-weekly or weekly watering. This is by soaking or top watering over many years.

After two years the bark is not the same as new. It is softer and a bit decomposed but no pest or other issues. I find it is harder to become hydrophobic as it ages.

Overall I prefer totally inorganic mixes but no problem with bark.

I dont have any 'ultra sensitive " plants. Ive seen proficient growers on youtube, which do recommend inorganic soil, but it isnt 100% mineral. They add a small amount of organics, like peat, coir, vermicompost. From what i could gather, you should aim for 70% inorganic for most cacti. My own practice is to have plants in 60-80% mineral soil. The main reason is to reduce nitrogen intake(pests), and to make it fast drying(rot). People with 95 % or more mineral soil have to use fertilizer..... those with up 80% dont.

My orchids grow in bark, but never my cacti - they like a well draining gritty mix - and organic materials like bark, peat and ´forest product´ absorb water and are hence NOT well draining. I do add a bit of wormcasts, to provide some nutrition.

They do absorb, but significantly less than peat and topsoil though.....

For me inorganic mix is simple. It lasts a very long time, is very clean, and makes repotting easy indoors and out. I agree fertilization is required in this type of mix.