Using the manila folders by themselves annoy me, because they are always sliding down and looking messy. I like the hanging folders a lot better for most things.

My "active" project files are in colored manila folders on a step-file on my desk. Less immediate stuff gets filed in hanging files in my drawers.

I think it comes down to personal preference. I've heard paper-organizing experts say "never use hanging files!" "always use hanging files!" "never use an alphabetical system-- categorical is better!" "never use a categorical system, alphabetical is better!"

I think it boils down to a combination of what you are filing and how you work. None of the organizing experts-- Dave Allen included-- was looking specifically at the work *you* do and what *your* working style is. Some degree of personal adaptation is inevitable.

I think the trick is to understand why a suggestion is made, give the idea a chance, and then make a conscious decision whether to follow it or not.

(Orthodoxy for no reason other than the sake of orthodoxy: therein lies the way to madness. While it's important to be open to new ideas and new perspectives, real decisions should never be made on the basis of "because so-and-so said so", unless you're five years old and so-and-so is your Mom. ;) )