How to pose characters

Hello everyone!
I've got some issue working on my modeling reel. I can't find out
a proper decision about posing characters.
Here are intentions upon the matter:

- posing them with modeling tools
- to model characters in the standard rigging pose, set them up in the required pose.

Which way is faster, efficient and more suitable in general for modeling/positing digital characters?

My programs are 3DS MAX, Silo, Wings3D.

I find it is generally best to either build your character into a specific position, like a statue, or, if you intend for them to have multiple positions, build them into a default position and rig them so they can be posed however you like. I can't really speak to which is faster but both are viable methods.