for me, i plan on doing deckmount. but it is purely preference. i like the look, also i wanted the faucet to be centered against my window and have a little space behind it, in case i want to put up curtains.

i happened to be price shopping for clawfoot tub faucets today and thought i might add, that I found that the deck mount configuration costs A LOT less than the freestanding faucets.

Great point about the window, thank you! We have a window centered behind as well, and I didn't think about the slight loss of space with a freestanding faucet. Okay, now to choose a 5' or 6' tub...