The tabs are good as a visual aid to show how the parts line up. Even of the first models I purchased, I cut them off. I had designed my own models before I even knew people sold such things and understood that for parts to be flush, they must be on the same plane. As you say, everyone learns a different way, but in this hobby, it is better for all the time and effort, to get it right the first time. There is nothing worse than seeing a model where all except for covered white unpainted edges, it looks great. The same goes for ships. I have seen so many that had the skins pulled too right, and nothing over the former edges to spread the tension from the former edge, so the hull ends up like a ship that needs a few meals, the skeleton effect.
Right technique or wrong, they take a lot of time to make, mine as well go for the right way.