Kbiggs wrote: ↑Thu Nov 02, 2023 7:15 pm
With an older out-of-production model where the optional crook is lost, you’d have to find a stray crook somewhere, or have a tech make one for you, like ithinknot did with a Benge, above.
All my own fabulous work

(A lot of non-parallel stuff and broken solders when I got it, hence various refitting and the brushed NS areas.)
To the original point: all the systems have specific advantages, and no global advantages (unless you have short arms, in which case keeping low C and B closer would be an absolute benefit).
If you're interested, experiment and see what you like... and if not, learn F/Gb/D because everything comes that way, and be happy.
Personally, I've stuck with a particular brand of esoteric madness (Bollinger 2nd valve and 1st valve pulled enough to get back to combination D), but I'm a ridiculous person, able to modify horns, and prone to Ideas.
Also, use the 2nd valve independently. It's great. You'll see claims that "most people don't"... I suspect these are based on a sample size of one... or from observing players that don't warrant much observation.
By the same token, dependents can also be great, and I'd rather play a really good dependent than a meh indy... so try things and enjoy them for what they are.