Which to use? I think that's more personal preference than differences in ability. So which method would be 'best' for you is a question you will have to answer. That includes all the 'aspects' of it, availability, suitability, ease of use, ease of installation and adjustment, and then co$t.
Here are some basic 'truths' that aren't very palatable.
Most radios don't require, or benefit, from a 'peak & tune', they are already that way from the factory (except for the occasional lemon). If a manufacturer doesn't do that peaking and tuning before a radio leaves it's factory I think it would be a very good idea to look for another manufacturer, wouldn't you? There are no 'mysteries' in that contrary to popular belief. No manufacturer 'over-builds' a product and 'under-tunes' them. That just doesn't make sense (economically = bad 'bidnez'!). There are standards they have to go by and they do (if they wanna stay in business). If someone says they can make a radio 'do' twice as much as it originally did, you'd better take a very close look at what they are talking about. It would require lots of modification to the original circuit and that's not easy/cheap. In most cases, it's just a scam that's been around for ever.
All of the components of a radio set up are important, not just the antenna. Don't misunderstand, that antenna certainly is important, but so are the rest of the system. You also have to keep in mind that there are limits to what you can do. As in your particular situation. I wish I could get a huge antenna up on a tall tower! But that's just not very practical here. Neither is running huge amounts of power, will the electrical service to your house/vehicle support that without a huge amount of expense? Mine won't. Relatively speaking, doubling your power doesn't do much. Just depends on where you start from, you know?
And this thing is getting way too long so I'll quit.
Don't get caught up in the 'mystique' thingy, it'll bite you every time...
- 'Doc