@Hamstank, I apologize, I wasn't challenging what you said, I was challenging the idea "side-chain compression is definitely more accurate and efficient than manipulation of the volume envelope alone". The point I'm making is everything is approached on a song to song basis. Sometimes side-chain compression can absolutely be what is needed. Sometimes a boost in the mid lows, sometimes filtering, parallel EQ, sometimes just boosting the overall gain on the 808 or lowering the gain on everything else. There is no set priority beyond what the individual song needs.
The problem I have is every thread on anything low end in this forum comes with the suggestion of "side-chain compression". Anytime anyone gives any answer other than that, people tend to downplay it as some unorthodox method that's not gonna get the job done. Any real audio engineer is going to recognize the hundreds of ways to get the job done and see them all equally. Instead our advice is leading to a generation of "digital side-chainers" who think because this technique is so heavily talked about every song needs it put there by the hands of a novice. It shows in the mixes that come across my desk for repair daily.
With all that said, I didn't mean to downplay your post in the process. Side chain compression is definitely an efficient way to bring out any sound in a mix from vocals to a guitar you want subtle, but very noticeable, to giving low end presence.