I do the same two things. The twist is important, since the solder is
NOT
supposed to provide the mechanical strength of the connection...it is
there
to secure the electrical connection. Or so I've been told.

I would agree completely if we were splicing solid wire. But my experience
is that by mashing the strands together and soldering, the joint is
actually
stronger than the original wire. My theory is because of the enormous
surface area of all those strands (x2) for the solder to bond with.

Not sure I'd say stronger than the wire itself, (I used to have access to a
tool to test this) but otherwise that logic makes sense to me. I've done a
few splices that way...push the ends of stranded into each other, squeeze
them closed, solder, squeeze it smooth, and wrap it.

-John O