If they are not patterning us by scent, then why will they skirt some stands and never use that trail again?
If you're not there (in the stand)....how do you know they haven't patterned you?...and only avoid it when you're there?
Is it because they saw you?
I'm not saying you're naive. I'm saying I used to think this way and have since changed. I used to think that I wasn't spooking deer.....because I didn't see them avoid me. Now....I think I quite possibly get pegged a bunch.....and never know it.
And if you think using the same trail is what will work best for you....by all means....do it! I don't think there are many "absolutes" to deer hunting. I do what I think will make me successful in my woods. You should do the same.