as a former soil grower now hydro i would reccomend starting in soil no matter what and then switching according to your needs. I switched because I wanted to do a larger system and it would be more practical for me to use a recyclable medium such as hydroton as it would be awkward and a security issue for me to bring large amounts of soil into my grow op, and get rid of it after harvest. I also do a Sea Of Green method and the cost of many small plants in large hydroton beds is alot cheaper than lots of soil pots. If i was growing like 10 big plants i would use soil. Also I enjoy the faster rate of growth and precise control of ph, ppm, temp, and how often they recieve nutrition. With this also comes problems as well. The slightest error and everything can crash, but its easy to maintain any sytem with proper care and upkeep, as well as prevention. As far as potency...depends on the strain and your determination of potency, as far as thc and cannabanoid levels, I believe thats determined genectically and by your grow prochedure being optimal. I dont know of a test that proves thc levels in identical plants from identical grow rooms being more potent in hydro than soil or vice versa. And FLAVOR. As a hydro grower i will say I think ITS POSSIBLE to have better tasting bud in water only due to the ability to almost completly flush your plants easier and more efficiently, but soil has its own "natural power" too. This is a pretty old beef, but i think it all comes down to the grower and his or her needs and abilities. Hydro is better in some situations. And Soil is best in others....