The example in the HOM Cookbook recommends to run a custom GUI in the main Houdini thread, because it is easier to code. The Masterclass on building tools recommends running a shelf-launched GUI in a separate thread.

Assuming that one can tackle the thread management, is it fair to say that one should follow the advice in the tool building video?
Or are the cookbook and the video discussing different circumstances?

My Masterclass was done in 9.5, before there were HOM hooks into Houdini's event loop. Assuming you are using 10, or a 9.5 that's within a few months old, the way shown in the cookbook using event loop callbacks is the better way. If not then you will have to do it the hard way.

Thanks, Graham.