I used to think stuff like this might matter, but after several dozen wheels for my own use, I am starting to think that many of the "finer points" of wheelbuilding are inconsequential, and that the reason they have been discussed is because someone's ego decided to rationalize their personal preferences and attempt to showcase their knowledge of trivial things that don't really matter. Yes. There are absolutely some good practices advocated, and I'm not claiming these people are incorrect - but I haven't found the leading/trailing or inside/outside makes a difference.

Granted, I usually build 36 hole wheels, have only built 3-cross, and always start wheels relative to the valve hole and with spokes with heads facing out (because it's an absolute P.I.T.A. to lace 3x if you start with the courses of spokes that have the heads facing inward). I suppose this means I am consistently building wheels with the same pattern, but I can't be bothered to contemplate how my practical approach to lacing compares to what the "experts" advise about such a traditional and proven effective pattern.