I often run into scenarios similar to the following:
[![1](https://i.stack.imgur.com/edp1Q.jpg)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/edp1Q.jpg)

I have two parts that I need to connect together, but one has (a lot) more parts to it. There are two approaches I'd usually do to solve this. Here's one:
[![2](https://i.stack.imgur.com/4BOgP.jpg)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/4BOgP.jpg)

The problem with this method is that everything won't be connected together. I can select any of the vertices (along the widget, x axis) and move them around, and they will move freely. They are not connected. Here's another approach:
[![3](https://i.stack.imgur.com/IHuFQ.jpg)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/IHuFQ.jpg)

This method connects everything together, but everything looks absurd. It is hard to tell what's what, and everything looks so pinched and hideous.

If I come across a similar scenario (picture 1), how would I approach modeling the two parts together? What would be *considered* the most ideal/best method? Thanks.