[teo]

I re-read your post...
Since you talk about Y-insert cables, does that mean that you don't have the patchbay?
I only have three channels of outboard comps, so I don't need many cables anyway...

One thought...with the method you describe, you'd be mixing through the line inputs (at least in one of the configurations you mentioned). Not that it would make a lot of difference, but you would be going through one more pre-amp stage. It might make a difference, if you do that on a lot of channels...