Design Methodology - References

What is the best design methodology for a robust part and assembly in SW: using reference geometry (axis and datums) to create a feature or is referencing another feature (face) as good? SW Training I have had emphasizes feature to feature reference. My past experience in Pro/E, but not Wildfire, the company I worked for had CAD design methodology to use only reference geometry when creating part features or assembly mates. This takes extra time and makes the part more cluttered, but in Pro/E it is more robust. One of the reasons being recovering from geometry or assembly errors in Pro/E 2001 and prior versions is more difficult. Comments?