Which mode is best for new setups?

I believe that your problem is that a hal signal can only be connected to one output pin.

Your "input.0.btn-thumb2 #3" is a hal output pin, and so is "hm2_7i43.0.gpio.032.in". So they can not be connected to the same signal. To use signals from more than one hal output to trigger something you have to use another hal logic component such as [strike]and2[/strike] or2.
linuxcnc.org/docs/html/man/man9/or2.9.html
You would use the [strike]and2[/strike] or2 to read both of your output pins (connect them to the two [strike]and2's[/strike] or2's inputs). Then connect the output from the [strike]and2[/strike] or2 to what ever you want triggered.

I think that OR2 is what is needed here.

andypugh wrote: I think that OR2 is what is needed here.

Your right Andy, not sure why I said and2, or2 is probably what he wants.