A lot has to do with knowing your animals and be in tune with them, which is often hard for a first time owner. This is why when I offer advice it is based on what I know will work even for an inexperienced owner.
Until the new owner acquires some experience and becomes confident about his husbandry everything should be done and recommended on the safe side.
Now do I provide 2 hides? No, but again it depends on the setup, the animal itself and being in tune with the animal.
Does a tub allow temps gradients? Absolutely!