Balance and symmetry
 

This may be just a quirk of mine - but when using blocks that are of the "alternate" type - I much prefer using a checkerboard setting or even rows x even rows or odd rows x odd rows setting.

It just feels "wrong" and "uncomfortable" to me to use an even x odd setting (like B).

A is a checkerboard type setting - even x even setting

C is an odd row x odd row setting.

D and E are just extremes. D is odd x odd - but unbalanced.
E is odd x even and unbalanced.

Do any of you also have these preferences?

That's funny. Yes, I'm fussy about having things even and balanced. This is sometimes hard to do with balancing color.

I have no problem with any of those examples

I guess I tend to go for settings like your C setting. That looks perfectly balanced, to me.

LOL, Only we quilters would even think of these things! Muggles (non-quilting folk) would just grab the quilt, squeal, and go snuggle up with it, regardless of the balance of the layout! :D

i prefer the C layout. i'm working on a quilt now that calls for 12x12, but i'm doing one row less so that the same prominent color is on the outer row

It really depends on what I'm trying to create. Perfect balance isn't always desirable.

"A" is probably the most technically "balanced" - it has the same number of lights and darks.

I agree that for some things the above diagram is totally irrelevant.

"C" is the only one that looks balanced to me. Isn't it funny how we all have a different idea of "balance"?

Count me in on the balanced side. I like things even.