highlights or dying?

Should I dye my hair or get hightlights? My main concern is keeping my hair as healthy as possible.

I have fine hair that damages easily. It is very dark brown (almost black) and I want it to be a medium to light brown.   One time I had highlights and I LOVED it, they were very natural looking, and my hair almost looked like a solid color with a shimmer of color throughout. No stripes, it was not chunky, but very natural.

However, that stylist moved and I've never had highlights I've like since then.      I've tried so many stylists and the highlights always come out stripy and contrasty. I explain exactly what I want (even show pictures), but it always comes out stripy and chunky and I hate it.

I finally stopped highlighting my hair because I am tired of being disapponted. But, I really like my hair lighter so I am ready to try again. My stylist suggested I just dye all my hair instead of highlights to get the look I want. But, then other stylists tell me that since I am not grey, there is no reason to dye it.   

Was she just suggesting dying it because it would be easier for her?   I know if can be done with highlights because I've had it done like that before.

My biggest concern why I am reluctant to dye it is that my hair is fine and damages VERY easily. I would think that highlights are less damaging to the hair than dying.

I am open to dying it, but my main priority is to keep my hair as healthy as possible.

Any thoughts? Thanks!