Fly Tyer -

Go to the "Learning Experience" forum. Scroll down to "slip on leader loops" by bugman. There is quite a discussion there about what kind of connection to have between your flyline and leader. Should answer most of the questions you have.

Personally, I prefer the braided loops. They are adequate for the kind of fishing I do ( trout ) and work well with the furled leaders I build with thread.

John