Even though you need a sustain pedal, that doesn't mean you abuse it. Anyone that took piano lessons knows, there are places where you PLAY legato, and places where you use the sustain pedal. A lot of piano literature actually marks in the pedal points. Obviously, the composer knew where and when BOTH techniques should be used. You don't use the pedal as a crutch for poor legato technique (that's nothing unique, Donny, pianists are supposed to be able to play BOTH ways), but you don't use legato fingering as a substitute for the sustain pedal, either. Both have a unique sound, and appropriate times to be used. Limit yourself to just ONE and you lose half of what the piano sound is capable of.

Thing is, Donny, I started on accordion, too. Spent many years as an organist as well. But that doesn't STOP me from being able to use a sustain pedal, nor recognizing when it does and doesn't NEED to be used... I simply prefer to not let my equipment (or lack of it) dictate what I HAVE to play.