I need some advice-stereo vs. mono tracks?

[XYZ]

Another technique that is sometimes a life saver, and often worth trying is to us a Mid-Side decoder with a stereo track, and then vary the width of the M-S, then use another one to get it back to left right. You can also put a trim plug in the middle for a LOT of width control. You can even steer the sound from left to right wihtout changing the volume much.

The Waves S1 Shuffler can do some of what the set-up I'm talking about above, difference is it is more intutative.

If I like the stereo sound of something, I'll tend to narrow it up a bit, and then swing it left or right to place it somewhere. Sort of like a turbo-charged version of using the trim plug.