C13,
Yes, just personal preference.
I wipe on varnish with a cut coffee filter as an applicator. Read that someone on this board uses it too to reduce lint. It is better for application than the nylon t-shirt pieces I used prior. There are filters that are linty too though- test on scrap wood before on your rod. Sorry not sure of the brand- just grabbed some from the office.
Getting ready to move next year so I will build a dip tube station once situated. I'm very happy with the wiped on method but I've seen some pics of DLeo's (FAOL member) rods and they look gorgeous dipped.