Hi Peter,
I’m unconvinced by Elaine’s argument. I have never heard it suggested that we bore holes in the soil around our plants in order to let air in. Equally I have never heard it suggested that we bore holes in the sides of our pots.
I completely understand that soil compaction limits air circulation but that’s not going to be an issue with seeds sown in module trays using an appropriate free draining seed/general purpose compost (mixed with Perlite or Vermiculite if necessary).
Don.