I've had the same problem so here's what I do. First I sew my practice block. Then I measure the seam line from the stitch line. If it is exactly on the mark, I do another practice seam moving my needle one step to the right, sew and measure again.
I know we have many thoughts and ideas about do we or don't we, but I still think the best way is what works for you. If your block comes out to the right size, then we don't need that galloping horse. How do I know this? Trial and error and sewing on so many different machines over the years and using so many different threads.