Hi,
I do move the legs. After finding a star and checking which way it is drifting I grab the whole kit and kaboodle and rotate it maybe an inch or two. Then find a star and look for drift. Then move it again find another star and check for drift. Once it starts drifting the other way i move it back a little bit and then start using the adjustment knobs. Before I start i ensure that the mount head is in the middle of the adjustment range.
Remember, it may be a precision optical instrument/mount etc but really it is not made of feathers and is quite strong and short of having it tumble over is quite hard to damage.
I dont have a permanent setup so have to start from scratch in the park each night i want to image.
Thats how i do it anyway, your mileage may vary
Paul