It's like any procedure,some are going to find one way or the other easier,it's just preference.
Me,I always paint and weather tracks off the tank,I just can't fathom reaching all the tracks and not messing up the roadwheels.I know some spray the tracks on the tank,but thats beyond me too.
I think if you don't have an AB you would have to paint them off the tank and touch up later,how would you reach the inside parts.