Rob, wiping on a varnish finish has a number of advantages particularly for new finishers as brushing is a skill that requires instruction, practice and experience.
o Multiple coats can be applied in a day when using a thinned wiping varnish. Generally, a coat is dry to the touch in 30-90 minutes and a new coat can be applied.
o Little skill and practice is required to apply a wiped on finish.
o No chance of brush marks, drips or sags.
>> when you say minimizing the plastic look, I thought the idea was to build up the finish--does it end up looking worse that way?
"Looks" are a personal thing. But when you build up a thick finish of any clear finish, it begins to take on the appearence of something dipped into, or encased, with plastic. Some like this look while others like softer look. Things look even worse if the varnish is a poly varnish as it is less clear than a non-poly varnish and takes on a sort of cloudy look.
A good wiped on finish of six or so coats gives as much protection as it required and gives a nicer final look.