How do I create a hinged wing? So I'm planning this semi-photorealistic animation involving a flying ship, some green miles, and a supervoid as special effects, and some of the many models that are going to need to be created are:

Chen, a Nekomata from the Touhou Project (Perfect Cherry Blossom.)
A Parasect from Pokémon.
Several angels with wings.

I'm trying to figure out how to would a hinged wing actually work in Blender? For that matter, should wings, tails or other tentacular appendages be animated through bones, or through simple physical rotation?

It's only been laid out on paper, and the entire project's pretty much ground to a halt because I can't seem to remember how to parent a mesh to an armature.
(Also, feel free to submit some blends to help me out here.)
Thanks, Nefer007 (Anyone who responds gets to be mentioned in the credits!)
For Tails consider a Armature a Spline Constraint, employing curves, which can provide the smooth visuals.  That is just a starter.
Armatures are suggested for Wings.  Thus you have control over the flapping motion. I assume you will need that control.  
You stated [I can't seem to remember how ..].  Consider a video website for tutorials. You may want to search .. Blender Tutorial Spline Constraint.
Once some of the basics are there you can consider hundreds of subtleties.