If you go too big you'll end up like Henito Kisou or Mangled's Soldat Enhanced. Pick a size that's right for YOU. And I scoff at people who think 'details' are everything and are done with a color that's separated by darker lines.
Die!
but thanks to putting me in the neighbourhood of Mangled
I modded before, but my real modding has started Neverending Nightmare mod.
First dimensions of my style (still called NN style): 40x13
Second attemp inspired by Mangled's work: 65x18
Actual, optimal, perfect sizes: 60x16
Darker lines to keep details isn't master rule in my style, it's used when neccessary for make better visibility, mostly, but not always.
Proofs:
(Last done in NN's 'vanilla' style)
Also this style finally allowed me to photorealistic things, so isn't linear, simple and restricted as you think.
To Brock: not big, not small, find yor best size adjusted to your style and shading technique, dont listen and learn/copy things from other modders because that are only hints, not exactly way step-by-step how you need modding. Try find your best desing by you and dont follow to other modders.