I agree. They each have their quirks. Some designs are so low volume that they virtually require an external SB.

I started using internal strongbacks (built 4 kayaks and a canoe on three different strongbacks.). I built some Black Pearls about 3 years ago and HAD to use an external strung strongback. I haven't looked back since. With that ONE strongback I've built 10 boats on it ranging from 8 foot long SOFs, a 13 foot canoe, various strip built 17-18 foot sea kayaks and currently a hybrid Night Heron. It's been very flexible.

Being a made from two pieces of wood that are sprung into a bow-shape, it had an open top. To make the panels for the hybrid NH, I capped the top with some 2 foot-wide cheap OSB. Now it's a great work table (2 feet wide by 19 feet long). I can now put down my tools and supplies right next to the boat. It's so much more convenient.

The big problem I have with internal strongbacks is once you remove the SB you have to work in slings. Inside, outside... The boat just moves around too much. Going external, instead of burning the cutoffs in the woodstove (not that you SHOULD burn plywood or MFD by the way...), you can use attach them to the SB and use them as cradles. The support is incredible.

The other issue is the waste and lack of flexibility. Like I alluded to above, you're not length-limited with an external SB. Internal ones are fine if you only intend to build one boat. I suppose if you wanted to build a second, shorter one you'd just cut it. They are hard to stretch to longer lengths while maintain any semblance of rigidity.

Anyway, now you know why I've gone to the Dark Side...