I would say to use scripts in RMXP, as they allow you to create more complex functions with less hassle, as Modern Algebra pointed out. In addition, Enterbrain actually removed several events that allowed for the same functions, albeit with more work, to be achieved in earlier versions of RM.
So...basically:
Creating a custom system of a sort seems so much easier in 2000 and 2003. Which makes me think scripting is slightly forced upon people, because useful functions are missing in the event editor.
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