Combination method myself. Slipping is uncomfortable for your passengers, but I like to get into the slip about 2/3 of the way down finals: this helps me to "get in the groove" and get the feel of the plane.
Those who can keep it in a crab and kick it straight all in the flare are much more clever than me. Plus it gives you a better gauge on whether or not you are going to run out of rudder, and whether perhaps another runway/airport might be a better choice.
Being an old dragon, I make my students slip the majority of the way down final cos it really sharpens their skills for this manoevre (spell?) and correspondingly increases their confidence.
I didn't get really comfortable with X-wind landings till I did my instructors rating and was made to go out and hammer the circuit in a very stiff wind. Very character forming!