Which is best for modding your360? Modchip? or Softmod?

[Turel]

I was just wondering, since my 360 is coming to the end of it's warrenty, i thought
"I might as well mod it"
especially since my last one wrecked my assassins creed disc and it won't read anymore.

So anyway, having looked around I found a way to softmod the drive
if I remember correctly:

advantages: slightly easier to do, improves read capacity and can use backups
disadvantages: not region free, needs double-layer dvd burner(probably necessary either way) and no additional functionality gained

So back to the point, would it be better to modchip the 360?

also when i get round to it , i'll probably want to play on live, so i also ask which is less microsoft detectable?

thanks in advance, if anyone can answer my question