Let's just say it's *safer*. Of course, you lose the re-usability factor with direct field referencing (as the other branches of this thread have pointed out.<s>)
You have to just examine the purpose of use. If you think the code will be classed or re-used, indirect referencing might be best. One time use or for emphasis (ie, *this* and only *this* field should be updated) might call for direct field referencing.
