Interesting question, Jockomatic.
I would say that your audience, circumstances, and the nature of your enemy dictate your tactic. Also, determinative in your choice should be the nature of what you're trying to achieve. And, master many styles. Some opponents require a change of style mid-fight.
There are as many different combinations of the above criteria as there are leaves in a forest. And it all must be processed in the blink of an eye.
This is not a game for the uninitiated. It may take a lifetime of study and practice to master superior, mistake free, effective gung fu.
I have yet much to learn.
A study of and training with the masters is important.
#NorthShaoLin
⛩Bagster
Personally, I think the nature of the enemy is a factor. Some in a kind of 'honor among thieves' sort of sense--bad folks but with some redeeming social value--they may deserve a normal (as though any such is normal) gung fu style.
Whereas some . . . . e.g. Shrillery et al, never rise high enough to deserve anything but the harshest gung poo style.