Hmm... so EN you simply set a variable in your sub for what it will return once it gets to the end?
Is this simply coders preference? It seems like it would by much faster to simply make the sub exit as soon as possible instead of performing more checks before getting to the final return.
It is no faster in any meaningfull manner to exit the sub early. You could compensate for anyslowness incurred buy doubling the LPC.
As to simply coders preference yes and no. Its good coding practice, it means you have clear code that is easy to bebug especially by others. If you have 2 4 6 8 10 or more exits from a single sub you can see how the complexitys of debuggin get more difficult.
If you look at my chartoolbox script you will see that in long subs i use this
if !cancontine {block of code}
if !cancontine {block of code}
if !cancontine {block of code}
So all i have to do is set !cancontinue #false and it goes all the way to the end of the sub. A good code parser wont even read the code in the block it will just skip it.
Anyway this isnt real coding so .. what ever works for you all is fine .. just my personal preferences is all.