Ok, those NOT recommending a PH meter need to allow all growers to live in their house and use the same water! My tap PH is 9.5 and when the ph is not correct you will get lock out, salt toxicity and so many problems that will only be fixed by correct PH, and unless you can taste your ph then you need a meter. They are not expensive and will/do help with growers. Not everyone has a green thumb! You can even go as far as getting a TDS pen to make sure that you are supplying enough/correct nutrient levels, but that is less needed than a ph pen. Also, throw that chart produced earlier out of the window and use the following charts below!
Also you should add some perlite to the mix so you can aerate your soil... but hey, it is your time/effort and smoke in the end...