It really helps me to think of it all as extensive metaphors. Math included. The point is to tell an active story using symbols as metaphorical representations of something. With a lot of assumed language implied (through teachings) by choices of naming things. (As a fun example, don't focus on the name Algebraic if you aren't going to lean in on grade school algebra for things.)

That said, I think this is also a good way to approach framing things. Agreed that the idea of "prefer composition" is often a thought termination trick. Instead, try them both! The entire point of preferring one technique over the other is that it is felt to give more workable solutions. If you don't even know what the worked solution would look like with the other technique, you should consider trying it. Not with a precommitment that you will make it work; but to see what it illuminates on the ideas.