I joined a group of randoms last night and they insisted on doing the totems cheese. I'd heard of it but didn't know the mechanics, they explained it and we did it first try. It was no easier than doing the normal way, but I was ok with it since it shook things up and made it more interesting for me. They were a good group and we completed the raid right to the end. My point is: the totems cheese is no easier, and not really necessary, but if you're looking for some variety in the raid mechanics id say go for it.