standardization of slot access

Hi,

I'm usually confused about when to use 'slot' or '@'.  I've frequently
read that it's always preferable to use accessor functions, so I would
think the '@' operator should be avoided.  However, ?slot contains the
following advise:


"Generally, the only reason to use the functional form rather than the
simpler operator is _because_ the slot name has to be computed."


How do we decide whether to use the function or the operator?


Cheers,

Seb