I disagree. The purpose of the system has a large influence. If it's a 12" SBR that's intended as a suppressed device, compatibility with the one used is paramount. It also limits which can be used.
A hunting carbine that will be shot without ear protection means most reasonable users would prefer reducing the db impact on their ears. A side discharging brake (can we please use the correct spelling?) is tested and documented to increase the perceived impact on hearing, exactly the opposite of what might be desired. Linear compensators tend to direct the noise forward, reducing the perceived level of noise. The difference is enough to relate it as ringing your ears with one shot, vs. firing two or three before noticing any effect.
If it's a three gun competition rifle, rules enter into it, specifically allowing only certain types. You can't just screw on anything you like in some circles. In those cases, keeping the muzzle down and limiting delay on reacquiring the target means you can accept more recoil as long as the sights don't move. It's a tradeoff - and some will manage a lot of both.
Further, if it's LEO/MIL used for CQB or infra urban use, teams are specifically ruling out the use of side discharge brakes because their teammate may literally be stacked at the muzzle. Ear pro or not, getting hit with the blast when it should be avoided will interfere with tactics in a room to room search. Pros DON'T use side discharge brakes/comps in that application.
What you use the gun for has a direct bearing on EVERY part you put on it. Some don't affect the final application as much as others, but it nonetheless either supports the overall use, or it detracts from it.
Case in point, the multipronged "CQB" pain compliance models that have many sharp edges. They may function ok in street combat on a face to face basis, but for the range? You'll need an armored gun case to accept the thing, or take it off every time. And too bad it falls over and snags your shin, or somebody bumps into you on the way packing it in the car. You better have protection over it, or be ready to explain to an E-room doctor why your 9 year old needs 15 stitches.
What is the firearm going to do? It has every bearing on what brake/comp/flashhider you select, just like what stock, trigger, scope, forearm, or even caliber.