Outward buds--how important?
 

All the pruning advice I've read says to cut just above an outward-facing
bud. I often have to choose between two roughly parallel branches, one of
which is somewhat sturdier and better-looking but which has no
outward-facing bud anywhere near where I'd like to cut. Is it best to
choose the better branch or the one with the better- positioned outward bud?

Thank you for any help you can offer.

Bob Feduniak