Recently I switched from an immersion chiller with a whirlpool arm to a plate chiller (thermonator). One thing that I like about the immersion chiller is that I could let the cold break settle in the kettle before I transfered. With the plate chiller I can still whirlpool to avoid transfering hot break but the cold break is ending up in the fermenter. I do not have a conical with a dump valve so it stays there. I have seen many opinions from forums, Noonans book on lagers, old Brewing Technique articles, ect. that all seem to vary a bit in the net effect of cold break on fermentation, finished beer, stability, ect. but haven't fully decided whether it's truely impacts my homebrew.
For some reason it DOES really bug me now that I'm transfering ALL the cold break.... but I'm also to lazy to do anything about it (i.e. allow the beer to settle in one carboy then transfer to another carboy) unless I'm positive there is an advantage. For me, that will mean continuing to tast test my beer and see if I percieve any change in flavor.
Anyone else ponder this question and have an opinion as it relates to the homebrewer?