> seem very controversial

It's just a matter of experience and perspective. Many of the permaculture principles have been practiced since long before industrialization. In the scale of human existence, the current "normal" agriculture practices are abnormal, while permaculture is normal.

Also, don't cut the weeds unless you have a very good reason. Even the definition of "weed" is questionable. Most of the time, the "weed" grows where it is actually beneficial.