Great post. I've learned to always ask "where's the tension?" Sometimes merging two scenes (like above) can be very effective, other times cutting at a crucial point in a scene can create a cliff hanger that compels the reader to read on. Cross-cutting is particularly useful when handling exposition. One short scene giving us vital information can be great but when merged with another that deals with the impact of the information it really comes to life. It's also a sign of a confident writer.

Excellent comment, sutinderbola. Love your question, "Where's the tension." Every scene should have conflict or its first cousin tension. Re cross-cutting: It can be of huge value to a screenwriter. Handling exposition? This is something I discuss at length in my Handling Exposition class. Again, so helpful for us to think like editors when we write. Thanks!