Intersecting geometry

[remus]

Is their any advantage to intersecting geometry?

i.e. doing this:

instead of this:

I've always done the former, although im not sure why. I suppose it saves the face count a little bit, but equally it makes the model a lot harder to edit.

[Gaieus]

It all depends when and what situation you need it. Cool question and topic though - both pro and contra examples (not reasons for sure).