It depends on my mood. Sometimes I like a very smooth mashed potato (generally with a lot of liquid incorporated, like a very, very thick potato soup) and other times I want something more like barely-smashed potatoes. Most of the time I like them in the middle; smooth parts very smooth and then big ol' chunks of potatoes and skin. My mother has tried that preparation you mentioned, too. It is very good and when you can see the number of things you are eating, you are right, it makes it easier to make a good decision. Honestly though, if I could eat hashbrowns all the time, I would. Heck, even tater tots. I was surprised that they are everywhere in Portland, OR. It's easier to find them in New England now, but still not as easily as in Portland.