I realize that this is not a new topic to this forum, or any other for that matter. However, there seems to be conflicting ideas regarding the subject. I also realize that what works for one might not work for another, but whether the idea is scientifically sound is what I am interested in (ie has the idea been proven to work). I'll list a few techniques that people have stated to be "best" for muscle gain.

Pre-Workout:
1. If a person is eating once every couple hours, there is no need to add protein or carbohydrates pre-workout.
2. High GI carbs + fast acting protein + Creatine

During:
1. High GI carbs + fast acting protein + Creatine + Glutamine
2. Water

Post-Workout:
1. High GI carbs + fast acting protein + Creatine +Glutamine
2. Low GI carbs + slow acting protein
3. Combinations thereof

IMO people lose sight of the goal or the purpose of their actions. With the goal in this scenario being to provide the body with the correct nutrients, in the correct ratio, at the correct time so as to create an optimal environment for muscle growth. Please feel free to include your regimen and any explanations why or why not.

My thoughts in terms of macronutrients

Pre-workout (drink something 1/2 hour before, then something right before)
If performance is the primary goal: Dextrose, a little sucrose if desired, hydro whey or whey protein isolate
If muscle gain is the primary goal: The same but with more protein, less sugar
If fat loss is the primary goal: Depends on the workout routine but in general even less/no carbs to help promote fat oxidation during your workout

During workout
Same as above

Post-workout
Medium-high GI carbs (if you do not plan on having another meal 1-2 hours later, go with medium GI)
Both fast and long-acting protein

Keeping in mind that I am an ecto and can take a lot of calories, here is my current regimen

Drink 1/4 30 min. prior, 1/4 directly before, the rest during, sometimes some of it will be added to the PWO shake:
Cutting: 40 g WPI, 20 g dextrose
Bulking: 40 g WPI, 80 g dextrose (a lot more tends to come PWO with the shake in this case)

Post-workout
Cutting: 50 g protein blend (WPC/MPI) and 10 g oats in 2 cups milk (total 61 g P/34 g C)
Bulking: Same protein, but carbs are 20 g oats and 15 g dextrose.
I usually sip this over half an hour or so.

Thanks for the reply, very similar to my methods. Would there not be an advantage to combining maltodextrin and dextrose in a 1:1 ratio? Also, I read that creatine supplements only remain in the system for ~2hrs. and are not active until 45min post-ingestion. Lastly, is there any significant advantage to adding BCAA's to a pre/post-workout drink. Again I appreciate the info.