(LOL) Ted,
I agree with your second paragraph (and hell if you shove a broom up my ass, I'll sweep the floor at the same time)......but seriously, it gives me the sense of playing with a band or in an ensemble situation. Believe me I spent weeks just practising the riffs solo, and drove everyone here in my house insane with the repetition. As soon as I put some "accompaniment" against it, it was a little more enjoyable for all concerned...and made it more motivating for me as well.

I'm unfamilar then with the technique you are describing in the first paragraph. Perhaps Rick, or other veterans around here can fill us in.