Dougie, the answer comes down to one's personal preferences. I believe it is possible that every additional foot of layout space for some hobbyists could be monumental.
However, it would not be a significant difference for me because I like my trains to go to different places. That is why I much prefer my long and narrow around the walls layout in which my trains travel to different places in my basement playroom, leave that room and go through a tunnel into the laundry room, go to different places in that room, and then return to the playroom. I also prefer having backdrops on the walls to enhance the scenery.
My wife, who is not involved with, but tolerates, my trains. also prefers my layout design because the layout does not completely dominate either room. My kids had enough space in the playroom to do other things with their friends besides trains in the playroom, and we also had and have enough space to do other things besides trains in the laundry room, namely the laundry. LOL.
It boils down to doing what most appeals to you that is doable when considering one's space and resource limitations, and what the family is OK with.
Arnold
