Question: Mixing with Software Synths

I recently purchased a software synth (Sample Tank 2), which I love (VERY nice piano and woodwinds and strings --BEAUTIFUL pads). I have a mixing question:

What is the "proper" way to mix (I know, I know, there's no "proper" but just what works for you -[g]):

1. To do my final mixing with the midi controllers, OR . . .

2. To bounce those DXi midi clips to audio, and then mix from there?

And if I do that, do I just bounce those midi tracks to an audio track using the highest volume setting possible without clipping, and then mix those audio clips in the next step, or do I get a close mix using the midi tracks, mix to audio and go from there?

Thanks in advance,
Tesgin