Moving objects in an octree (2nd part)

Hi again!!

I’ve already learnt how to move objects throw the octree using a loose octree ( http://www.tulrich.com/geekstuff/partitioning.html ). Yeah! it was a good idea!

But I was wondering… what would be better, to MOVE the object or to ANIMATE the object. I mean… say I have a moving staircase in the scene. I can manage it:
a- as a single object and animate its steps. In this case, I don’t need to move the object throw the octree, just its steps (Vertex Arrays) inside a single octree node.
b- as various smaller objects. Each step would be a different object moving throw the octree.

In a), I believe I can cull more objects, but I have to manage its movement throw the octree and waste more memory.
In b), I don’t have to worry about moving objects throw the octree but I cannot cull so much objects.

What do you think about this?
I’m trying to create a subway station (without people!). What do you think is the best way to go?

Thanks in advance.
-nemesis-