RE: Hold-over or gradiated reticles?
I'm a fan of precision. Hold-over is not precise. Graduated reticles are a little better, but holds must still be used as no reticle is exact for any gun.
When I hold on a deer, I want the bullet to go where the crosshairs are. I used hold in my younger years, but really dislike them with a ML for anything over 200 yds. My ML wears a tactical scope so I can dial to the exact range and hold right on.