Which is better, stretching a 4:3 image or pillarboxing it on a 16:9 screen?

[WWE Socks]

I have a 16:9 widescreen TV and wonder which option (stretching or pillarboxing) is the best for 4:3 content.

[Dopey Dinosaur]

I like to watch 4:3 programs without distortion. The black areas on the sides of the image don't bother me. The 16:9 widescreen can wait until there's a need for it, such as a DVD movie or the Xbox 360.

One of my new pet peeves is people who show EVERYTHING in widescreen. TV's in many homes, restaurants, and bars are showing 4:3 programs stretched-wide but why? Just to fill the screen? Don't know how to change it? I don't get it.

But hey, it comes down to preference. It's your TV. Watch it however you want!