In certain circumstances it can be a lot better:
Without proper tech time, and working with people who don't understand
tracking, using tracking can become counter-productive.
Example:
Working with my dept head on shows, there is no tech time, I set levels whenever. Then she decides to step in and alter my work by calling out levels on headset during performances. If (as I have done) I set things to tracking, my changes track around everywhere, and she doesn't understand how she's altering the show.