Comment by rgoulter

In terms of navigating around a document, the only difference between "motion-action" and "action-motion" is that with "motion-action", the cursor is a selection which highlights the last motion. -- I don't really find that to be a significant difference in terms of navigating around.

Instead, I'd say the biggest difference between "action-motion" and "motion-action" is that the latter lets you iteratively/incrementally manipulate the selected text. -- Vim supports this with its Visual mode. -- I think the main case for this is along the lines of "it's easier to use EEE in helix, than count out & input 3E in vim".

I'd agree for basic/small edits, "action-motion" is more efficient.

I think of helix's multi-cursor functionality as a rocket-powered chainsaw, though. :o)