: It might be nice to know WHY someone suggests a method of construction.

The "why" may be complicated. While I like the look of an external stem, I won't say it looks "better". I just like it. I typically double or triple up the glass on the stem even if I use a hardwood external stem. I don't want to wear through the glass to expose the wood to water regardless of the kind of wood. But, hardwood does provide additional reinforcement in the place most likely to take a hit. Since the choice is between softwood and hardwood occupying this volume of space, the weight difference is only an ounce or two. I also find that during the building process I can be a little less careful with the joints at the stem if I am planning to cover them with an external stem.

None of these reasons are neccessariliy enough by themselves, but when combined they just tip the scale for me. I don't feel strongly about it, it is just a choice I made. I don't feel one method or the other offers sufficient advantages to strongly recommend either.

Take a look at different boats, read as many opinions as you can find, make a choice, go with it, be happy, try something else next time.