For patterns where 8 sections come together in the center, like LeMoyne Star, Lone Star, Spiderweb, Kaleidescope etc, I start my seam in the center 1/4" away from the raw edge and stitch out. Then I remove the unit and do the other side the same way. I lock the seam by taking a few back stitches. Very much like Y seams and mitered borders are constructed. I can then swirl my seams and get all my points to line up with no integrity of the seams lost.
For units like a 4 patch I see no point in clipping and pressing in alternate directions. 4 intersecting seams don't add much bulk but 6 or more I would sew from the center out.
Additionally, if the finished quilt is quilted sufficiently (either by hand or machine) all stress is taken off of intersecting seams so the odd of the seam coming apart on a clipped seam are no more than any other seam. Some people advocate clipping some don't. In the long run it is sufficient quilting that will extend a quilts life.