I think you're taking things to an extreme there John in the way you're deciding to translate previous posts.At the end of the day it is a personal opinion as to which way looks the best.
Sometimes we are instructed to set out against our advice and other times we make the decision. A lot can be dependant on the design of the tile and the need to follow a pattern around ( such as book match) and the colour of a travertine piece.
All I'am saying is putting a bit of furniture over the tiling is not one of the factors that would decide my setting out!