Hi Craig,
Please allow me to request a favor, the questions in this forum are supposed to be not directly related to the tutorials. If there is a question to a specific tutorial, please use the “Help with this Tutorial” button, which is located on the left side in the Information panel. In this way, others will find related questions to a specific tutorial in a much better way. Thanks you.
The reason that Andy has might differ to what I’m able to share. Talking about “http://www.cineversity.com/vidplaylist/biped_rigging_for_games/biped_rigging_for_games_part_07”, leads me to the following conclusion:
The Symmetry option right from the start, should provide you with the same result. However, the advantages that Andy describe here are no constant update of the other side, and a focus of the parts you work. I don’t think that his example might slow down a current computer, but think of more detailed models, etc. I like for anything where I edit realtime performance, as long as I have to do it for a while. Anything else will drown your energy.
Another idea would be to “flip” it over, which is to my understanding the same as mirroring the result, is, that you could store a state of your work, then explore an other option and compare it. Always with a Auto-Save on, if something might go wrong. With a constant symmetry function enabled, this would be the case, and it would provide any advantages, other than if you done with one side everything is already on the opposite side.
I hope I do not miss anything here.
Tutorials, and that is my idea, some others have a different perspective of course, should first give a base understanding before it becomes specialized. Best practice methods discussions, will say fast for example, will not deliver a deep understanding always. It is not simple to keep the balance. I think Andy does a great job here, is well paced and shows even exceptions. IF you ahve this down, perhaps make copies and explore to find your very own rhythm ;o) (You know about the 10.000 mistake rule… embrace it.)
Thanks for your interest
Enjoy your day