As should be obvious from the replies here, snarky and otherwise, there is no one preferred method to blend images. Different circumstances respond best to a variety of techniques. I use them all, from Nik's HDR Effects Pro, which I find easy to use without generating the dreaded "HDR look" to luminance masking, selective editing of layer masks, and a 14 stop dynamic range camera (which may be the best advice given.)
Only after you have mastered a number of techniques will your experience allow you to choose the right one for the circumstances. And that will speed up your workflow.