Painting mist coats

While I was painting a model the other day,a question about mist coats popped into my head.Is it better for a mist coat to be appplied from a farther distance a bit slower than normal so it goes on dry or is better to apply it closer,a bit wetter,but draw the can (or airbrush) across the model quicker than normal?Is there a correct answer or does it come down to personal prefernce?
As an aside,I'm finding this site very difficult to use.It seems like I have to log into too may places separately to post anything in one place.Helpful hints anyone?

Generally speaking for cans, the speed you move your spray stroke across the object will determine how much paint is applied, while the distance determines the texture (by giving the airborne paint paricles time to congeal in to larger particles, or to begin releasing the solvent).

In my experience, spraying from a further distance causes a rough texture.

When I do "Mist Coats" with spray cans, I don't think I change the spray distance at all, and if anything I move the nozzle faster, so that less paint will be applied.