ORM or straight SQL?
.net, orm, performance
Solution
I'd use an ORM for exactly the reasons you mention.
They typically perform well. If there are performance issues in a certain area, you can always optimize that portion later, or switch to straight SQL if it truly helped, as the two technologies are not mutually exclusive.
Problem
Possible Duplicate: Using an ORM or plain SQL? Would you elect to use an ORM or some kind of home spun DAL? And why? The advantages of an ORM seem obvious - better structure / organization, better language fit etc. But I worry about performance issues. Anyone have war stories to share? Any insights on not so obvious risks or rewards would be much appreciated.