Modifiers are a new way to model.
Along with subobjects, the modifier stack allows the user complete control over what they've done. With the bend modifier , you are able to adjust all parameters of the bend whenever you want, even after you've done something else to the object. Parameters can also be animated over time. I can still change the parameters of the twist however I want, and then the noise modifier is updated for the new geometry. . Then I can even take it to the next level and animate them.