Mike, for me its personal preference. When I hear a dog bark I want it face to face with the hog, not barking behind it..........I don't like an open dog, even though I have owned and hunted both hounds and open curs I just prefer a silent dog. When I hear a dog bark, I want to hear "I have him stopped, come get him".....
But again, its more of a personal thing. I have seen dogs open behind a hog that breaks and seen them stop the hog. Just not what I personally like.......but I am just old and grumpy and set in my ways..........LOL
I completely agree