Which do you think?

I know this isn't answering your questions but the decision you come to is yours and I'd like to read why and how you came to that conclusion rather than provide an immediate answer. Share with us what you think is the right option and perhaps why?

I'm sure members would then jump in to guide you in a direction or two.

Dafydd

Ron,

I don’t have a scientific or technical answer. I just have to use the little
intelligence/logic I have been dealt. A format/ setting- set to the same format/setting;
how could it change? Unless software(s) has a way of pulling ones leg.
I do this all the time; pre- produce>produce.
I produce bits and pieces, cut/add/split/change order/insert aso.
I just put my trust in that if I stick to the same settings, it’ll all come out in the
settings I chose.
It may not be that simple, but I like to think it is.
In any case, this is the way I work, and frankly- I can’t tell loss in quality.

Nina
Just something.
https://www.petitpoisvideo.com

That was an easy question to answer Dafydd ... just read Nina's post

Being an infant regards video production I was unsure if, when modifying video with all the various possibilities, you could end up loosing quality ... much like the lossy aspects of jpg.

My conclusion (thanks also to Nina) is 'no problem' ... I could have spent time trialling/testing various possibilities but why not ask our experts or do further searches on the net. Raising these kind of questions also 'airs' issues that may be of help to other newbees.
Lazy ... you bet CYa Ron (W10/i5gen8/Nvidia)
Someone famous once said: "We only have the 4th dimension of 'time' so that everything does not all happen at once"