I have enjoyed this thread also, and I too feel that RST had no ego agenda when she posed the question.
When I teach my quilt class at the local college, I constantly remind my students that there is more than one way to do everything. The 'right' way is the way that works best for YOU. As our classes are limited in space and time, I teach methods that are fast and fun. If you don't like the first way I show to create XY, I'm sure I can show you another way or three to make the same XY.
Throughout this thread, I never felt that anyone believed 'my way or the highway.' If you really want to cut hundreds of small pieces, for whatever reason, no one is going to stop you. There is something to be said for basic skill building. There is also something to be said for setting people up to succeed, rather than fail. Now before that statement is mis-interpreted, I am talking about making a project easy for a beginner to complete, and not get bogged down in the process. How often have we heard (or said) that a first project became boring or overwhelming, and was set aside for years while the maker pursued other, less frustrating interests? If a beginner can complete all phases of making her first projects, and feel a sense of accomplishment, then she may feel challenged and confident enough to branch out and try other things.
Enjoy the process.