I like the seperate feed tank for a variety of reasons:

1. Only time he is on newspaper is in the feed tank. Associates that with feeding.
2. Can easily see what snake is doing...i.e. watch him eat, in tank with hides, and plants it is difficult.
3. I can easily access snake and easily dangle food in front of him (can't with hides, and plants in the way in main tank).
4. I don't have to handle him at all with other tank, besides initial take him out and put him in it. I bring feed tank over to main tank, and slowly turn it and let him crawl back into his main tank.

Just really simple for me, plus it is a place to house my mouse all day, since I feed the snake at night. Therefore, tank is strong in mouse scent.

That's my view on the subject, just easier for me, and snake seems to like it too.