Rich!
If I only had the time to write a book on the hitch's performances, I would!
The Distal hitch and others perform differently for each climber due to climbing style(barecrotch/FalseCrotch/w Pulley/etc.), and climbers weight and individual likes! This is why I decided to show the many variations.
The distal can be loaded from both sides like a Prusik if the number of wraps on top and bottom are equal, and it's a much nicer hitch too. Most guys I know use it in the 1 up 4 down variation, which can only be loaded one way.
I love the 3 wrap-3 crossover V.T./Super V.T. and can't find a better all around hitch for my style. The Distal is my second choice and is a great hitch that tends well and runs excellent.Add some bridge wraps and you got a Howard Hitch, which also works great!
Hope this Helps!
X-man