As Mr. Williamson says it isn't clear what you are referring to. If you are talking about a change in the mesh that doesn't effect the render than the fewer polygons needed the better. If it effects the render than choose the look you like the best. ;)
Obviously I should have typed "shear" not "spline". I had never seen it used before. I can get a "bent pipe" with shear+shear (less geometry) or spin+spin (smoother). If it is just personal preference, fine. I thought that there might be some side effects (unknown to me) that would make one more desirable. Thanks.
Shear produces more of a mitered joint and may be simpler for a beginner than Spin. Blender has many ways to do the same thing. Once applied the topology is just topology. So I would say it is personal preference.
