I mostly agree. I'd start with the simplest possible query and move from there. I enjoy SQL, but once I start querying large datasets or doing anything remotely

I mostly agree. I'd start with the simplest possible query and move from there. I enjoy SQL, but once I start querying large datasets or doing anything remotely complex, the 'right' solution is the one that is fastest. And fast always depends. Typically I have to write up a solution a few different ways, test and tweak.