FMS Flight Plan - STAR Input

[RUMBEAR]

I am curious to hear what the philosophy different airlines use during descent preparation. The ATIS should provide the expected runway and approach type however the STAR will only be an educated guess (and ATC Clearance issued well into the descent).

Entering a STAR into an active FPLAN will provide good predictions, however the risk of deviating from the cleared route (via the STAR) will increase.

So when does your airline prefer the STAR to be entered?
1. In anticipation as part of descent preparation,
2. After ATC clearance is issued
3. Entered in the second plan for prediction purposes (and activated after ATC clearance issued)
4. Other

Thanks