getting close to finishing the interior pine. Does anyone know what the drawbacks are if no coating is put on the pine? I was thinking of just leaving it natural.
Mainly it won't stay looking that way.
Anything rubbing against it may leave marks, dirt, that may be difficult to remove.
The wood will discolor over time. Pine will get more and more yellow if uncoated.
A good clear coat stops the yellowing. I don't like yellowing and particularly like Minwax Polycrylic.
But it is a personal choice. What you have looks nice. A clear coat will keep it looking that way.