It's a chore. I use the longer method too. I pull on the strings to stretch them. I always try for at least three wraps around the post too. Then I have to go away and let the strings go out of tune, and re-tune, and then do it again. My twelve string just drives me to total impatience. I use the width of my four fingers as the extra amount for post winding. Thank god for string winders, otherwise my strings would get changed much less often.