Yes, it gives the deer something to eat when food supplies are low, but aren't we hurting the gene pool by "helping" too much? Kind of like feeding the ducks at the lake.
I tend to agree with Dan O. - as far as food plots and even Winter Supplement feeds go. I understand your concern for keeping things "natural". In fact I often think about it.
I use food plots for alot of reasons - one is to help the deer in our herd have quality food available at all times of the year. Other reasons are more selfish. My plan mimics that of a "lazy farmer" - one that never can seem to get his crops harvested - but overall - the property very much resembles a working farm - not a deer factory by any means - Our deer are very wild - and heavily preyed on by coyotes (which also flourish with the increased bounty!).
In my mind's eye - a perfect, natural,hunt would be on rolling farm land - like when I was a kid - with corn fields, and Winter Wheat - maybe even clover or alfalfa bright green on a colorful fall day!
As far as letting the deer fend for themselves - We already alter that plan considerably at our place by taking 40-50% of the deereach year - not the most "natural" of situations - but normal in most places these days.
FH