head bolt torque

your 100% right , but after working as a mechanic for 30 years you come to realize that you cant take that kind of time with every car (I realize at home this is different)
when your under the gun and you soon realize that three steps is sufficient for the factory then it becomes sufficient for you. I also figure the factory is going to cover their butts so if 4 times was really better then they would say 4 times. One hole in your theory on clamping force, in solid plates you would be right but in a cast design with differing thickness' and holes for water and oil and cylinders the equal force therory gets killed . to be equal each would have to be a different clamping force to compensate for the illregular thickness and and the above mentioned holes. but in theory and a perfect world you are right . You have to excuse me on working smarter (less torqueing) and working harder (torqueing more to get the same results) or else 1 pound increments would be even better.
just my 2 cents worth and 30 years experience