I prefer multiple rar files, because only THAT way it is faster, when I download both as premium or free user. People who are lazy think that single links are faster, because they don't have to unrar them. Well, more links gives MORE speed, not vice versa. Simple math proves that:
If 1 link have 1 connection per download for example 100kb/s
2 links have 200kb/s, right? It is twice as fast to download 2 links at the same time, from one
Now, this applies when:
There are interchangeable mirror links in post, means I can put 2-3-4 links to be downloaded at once, as a free user, from different filehosts.
Also applies when I am premium user of some filehost, from where I download.
There is no situation that I found, where single link is better from multiple rar files, except when uploader makes his upload only to 1 filehost, with multiple rars, and I am free user of that filehost. That almost no one does today.
Rars can be fixed, in case of any errors.
Also, they can be compressed, so, less waiting time and less bandwidth.
Single AVI can't.
Also, what happens if links go down in the middle of download? Well, if there are mirror rars, you are on the safe side, no wasted bandwidth and time. If not, same like single link. But with single link you can't continue download, and can't expect that mirror or reuploaded link can be continued.
There is absolutely no discussion which one is better. What you like, is your call, but which is better in safety, transport, or faster, it is multiple files.
Rars (multiple files) will perform faster, no matter if you have fast or slow connection, from single link. That is why IDM or Jdownloaders are invented, so you can download MULTIPLE files with MULTIPLE connections at once. That is why people pay for their premium accounts.
Scene guys didn't invent multiple files for nothing.
I rest my case :D