I agree with this to the most part. I will have my spurs running parallel with the main and only one track venturing out. Because it will be the interchange track coming from the outside to the main like you've mentioned. Plus it will have another spur off the interchange track. Though my future layout will have the majority of the main running along the edge of the layout. This will give me room to decorate the interior of the layout and because one side will be the yard and the opposite side will be the industrial and town side. I agree tunnels to me are a waste of space. Depending the final size that I chose, either a door or 4x8. I might add a small bridge to cross a creek.
I also found a lot to like in this video. Although I can think of a few instances where spurs branch off at an angle to run to a nearby industry, most do run parallel to the main. The only thing I could really add is that turning the oval a few degrees makes the layout look larger, making the spaces on the sides of the oval triangular and more interesting to the eye. The idea of a creek or river also opens up a lot of modeling potential and interest.
