I find that a lot harder to read. ... If you want to conditionally include only one thing in a much larger unconditional list it really breaks down.

I personally believe that ease of reading is in the eye of the beholder, but as far as the second remark is concerned, of course it's fully seconded++. Long story made short - IMHO: no clear-cut, all encompassing solution. Just many different situations. (And incidentally, nothing which will take our sleeping away, I hope! ;)