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@SkinnyM Have to agree with Eric's recommendation to block out the major shapes before merging them and adding support loops.

To add to what's already been said: blending complex shape intersections is all about creating accurate shapes that have relatively consistent segment spacing. Using more geometry can help with certain types of smoothing artifacts but also makes it difficult to adjust the shapes. This is why it's a lot easier to resolve major topology flow issues during the block out, without all the added complexity of having to manage blending the support loops into the shapes.

Focus on creating accurate shapes first then solve the topology flow issues around the shape intersections by matching the segments of adjacent shapes and using the existing geometry as support. After the basic topology routing is solved the secondary details can be added and sharped with support loops.

Below is an example of what this type of block out process could look like. Working through the shape accuracy and topology flow issues first allows the the shapes to define the support loops, rather than the support loops limiting the accuracy of the shapes.

It's also important to minimize the amount of surface deformation generated by merging or reducing unneeded geometry. Try to avoid making extreme changes in the underlying curvature of the intersecting shapes. Significant differences between the intersecting geometry can usually be constrained to the area between the support loops or averaged out over a larger surface.

Recap: Us the block out process to generate accurate shapes and solve topology flow issues. Use the minimum amount of geometry required to accurately represent the shapes and try to maintain relatively consistent segment spacing along curves. Match the number of segments in adjacent features and use the existing geometry as support for shape intersections. Let the major forms guide the support loop flow.