Unsharp Masking Original Development

Do those who use unsharp masks tend to lean toward the normal and plus side (N, N+) of development rather than the minus side (N-)? I would suspect that the trend is toward slightly more contrast and reduce the negative density range with masking in the shadows. It would seem that a lower density would be difficult to adapt to masking.
I have been mulling over this technique and would like some comments on its use; especially in 35mm.
Thanks

Here is an article I wrote several years ago about unsharp masking explained in both film and digital terms.

http://www.frontiernet.net/~fshippey/articles/article4.pdf