I used a fat load for my last show... I was as conditioned as I could be going in. Striated glutes, hamtrings, and lower back were all shredded. Probably could have done anything and been fine. Cut water at 5pm friday (carbs were low all week), and had maybe 1/2 cup cooked rice friday nite but stomach was upset so didn't push it...I did sip on some grape juice but only 6oz or so all day saturday. Before predudging was 4oz grass fed liver and 6 whole eggs. 20 min till stage I sipped on the grape juice, maybe 3 oz... had a cpl tbspn of natural peanut butter (grinded myself) and some coconut oil. Filled out fairly well, our plan was to go in hard as possible tho and we attained a VERY hard look, especially for not using hormones (no aas, I do use peptides). Could I have been fuller? Possibly, but I was happy w/ my look. Btwn prejudging and the night show I had more eggs (free range, local) some beef and more coconut oil. Filled out a bit more and was even more vascular... stayed very, very dry. Legs seem to come out a bit more by the time I went on for the routine portion.
I do feel a fat load is more predictable.... If you are as lean as you can be I think you can get away w/ more but I guess to each their own.
I like the fat load and will stick w/ it for future preps.