I very rarely use a router. I use a variety of tools depending on the join type. So I can't answer that directly. Joining those pieces for the footboard in that picture I used a saber saw believe it or not.

I do t get hung up on time any more. I've proven to myself that I can build stuff in less time because I'm using dimensioned lumber. However, the character of the wood is lost in many ways. I like shaping the pieces based on the grain asmuch as I can. So if there's grain that runs around a knot for example I may use the grain as my cut line. That's takes a lot more time. There's no way I could make a living creating pieces like this. I'd never recoup my labor. Starving artist kind of deal.