I have to say, the people on this site are getting MUCH more civil. I remember when people would be at each others throats with a topic like this!
I've done both in my life. I've hunted over bait in Michigan and food plots in Illinois. They are not even close to the same. Anybody can just born 200 pounds of corn on the ground or in a feeder, it takes no time at all. To put in a food plot takes much more time and care. Good bucks learn what bait is pretty quick and know only to hit it at night. Sure you'll get a random nice buck here and there but food plots are natural, they just think its like beans or corn growing.
I don't judge people who bait since I've done it many times but its not the same thing at all in my opinion. Not saying its bad, just not the same thing.