Do you really get to see more lakes when you paddle from the in portage to the out portage like a mad man? Maybe you get to "see" them but not to know them.  I have opted for more time on the water with a fishing rod in my hand an less time on land with a pack on my back. So recently I've chosen larger lakes with lots of protected shoreline only a few portages in to spend the week on. The trips have been more relaxing and equally as enjoyable.