retrofuturist wrote: I don't think you can generalise, as it's about what works for the individual. Hence the Buddha had to teach the Dhamma in different ways to different people.
See also: http://www.dhammawheel.com/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=16744
I think there is a tendency for some of us to want to find the one most essential teaching or practice, to simplify, to get to the heart of the matter / practice and just work on that. Different personalities, temperaments have different techniques that work for them, according to the teachings (especially in the Abhidhamma and Commentaries).
If we expand that further, as Theravadins, we can say that some will make better progress using Mahayana teachings and practices, based on their personalities and therefore, both Theravadins and Mahayanists are on the path or direction of enlightenment (without necessarily saying something New Agey like 'all paths lead to the same mountaintop').