I'm sorry white but I really have to disagree ...ANY high current load like cooling fans , fuel pumps , etc. should always be isolated on a relay ... This way the battery is providing direct high current feed (or the alternator while running ) to that component . Otherwise you are ruunning all your high current consumers thru components not meant to deal with those loads ... Like the ign switch and main fuse block . Relay contacts are very very durable , switch contacts however have limitations ,and are prone to developing high resistance as compared to a quality relay.
Also did you say fuses are a waste of time ? I'll have to reread your post but certainly that would be the most irresponsible incorrect statement to put out there .