There are advantages to both methodologies, but I must say I agree with you. The accepted academic practice is to find/develop the right formalism and then impl

There are advantages to both methodologies, but I must say I agree with you. The accepted academic practice is to find/develop the right formalism and then implement from there. Despite this being akin to heresy, I much prefer to implement, then formalise later. I find it easier to "get the job done" that way.