I'm not sure I'd say Saxo is smarter. The strategy of Sky is to maximize the advantage of having the stronger rider. They force the pace and get it down to very few riders, then let it come down to mano a mano.
A winning strategy when you have the best man. Not fancy, but effective.
Saxo is in a position where they have to get more creative, they look fancier. They are smart and creative. But that does not mean they are smarter.