So glad to hear you are using the Y-seams! I think it is the 'old-fashioned' way to make the carpenter's wheel; like you, I prefer the smoother look and the harkening to a time when quilters did things the hard way!
So many patterns have simplified difficult blocks so they can be done by beginners or can be created quickly. It is a nice option, but I think that utilizing older techniques (like y-seams) creates great challenge for a quilter's growth (not to mention the benefits for the brain!). I hope you will post a picture when you have the quilt complete!