Looking at the control surface movement is a good idea in a C152, maybe possible in a B737(not the rudder though, which at times is the more critical flight control; think EFACTO), but it is impossible on a B747.
There are stories of cables being crossed, and I bet there will continue to be more stories as such in the future. But, to physically check all the things that can go wrong ??? We'll never leave the ground that way.
Coming back to the original Q, whichever way your heart desires, just as long as you do it all the way to the control wheel stops, it shouldn't matter.