I like to look at attachments in here first, Baz.
Then if the mood takes me I will open a link, but not always. Some times I see a link and think 'I can't be bothered' so I skip it
I suppose that is of no help to the poster, but often I just can't be bothered opening more links.
I also find many links have HUGE images which I have to scroll across and down to see the whole lot, and it is annoying not seeing the whole image in one. So in that sense, attachments are good coz they allow me to see the whole image in one hit.
But that's just me. I'm sure some will love links to bigger images
But sometimes I like to open a HUGE linked image if I know it will have hundreds of galaxies in the background. I like to go in at full res and go galaxy hunting
Variety is the spice of life