Standards and browsers - neverending discussion

Today at Mezzoblue.com, i saw a new discussion about the question of web-standards, and wether to ultimately stick to them or rather use the possibilities you are given by existing browsers and their pros and cons?
A consensus definitely is to keep the goal and audience of your work in mind when you design. But that apart, use any hack and trick you know to tweak the last out of your creation? Some people sure will do that, but no majority. Why?
You are definitely on the safe side if you indeed stick to the standards. At least to a good degree, as it is very probable, that future browsers and versions will also implement these standards and interpret your HTML and CSS the way it is intended. Chances are simply bigger that your design will live long(er) and prosper.
Sure, the odd hack is needed if things get tricky, but if we keep those scarce we save ourselves trouble, maybe later on. It usually is not so hard to find a way to make things look well on the major browsers.
So there you go!

Before i forget, happy new year everyone, and lets hope it brings many of them good things that we are wishing for and make our work easier and successful.