The only thing I see wrong with that snare trick....well two things...
1) You have to start with a brand new head. An already stretched/rippled head might not react properly.
2) Related to #1...once you beat up a head, this trick might not be as effective and you'll have to resort to standard tuning methods.
As for resonant toms, I just think they sound better. They're musical. They cut through a mix. And like you said, you can always deaden them if necessary. And the "doppler" tuning just sounds cool.
1) You have to start with a brand new head. An already stretched/rippled head might not react properly.
2) Related to #1...once you beat up a head, this trick might not be as effective and you'll have to resort to standard tuning methods.
As for resonant toms, I just think they sound better. They're musical. They cut through a mix. And like you said, you can always deaden them if necessary. And the "doppler" tuning just sounds cool.