Just curious myself, why, when you are just learning would you wish to make it more difficult on yourself and open the gap that much? While it is true that techniques such as rod manipulation through depth, keyholing and the like (keyholing has actually worked better for me with tighter gaps), will come in handy, and may even be required sometimes, mostly on repairs, why would you make it tougher on yourself if not necessary?
An opinion on technique is a very personal issue. Like fashion, hairstyle etc. Or, as I see it; it's like the snowboarding vs. skiing controversy. Why learn two techniques, when it is much easier to teach the simpler one with fewer variables. My opinion only of course. Actually, when teaching any trade (or process), I try to present the fundamentals, then "tailor the technique" to the individual.