What is the fundamental difference in emphasis between the Pacific crab tradition versus the Atlantic/Gulf tradition?

The Atlantic/Gulf tradition emphasizes the preparation around the blue crab, while the Pacific tradition often emphasizes the size and richness of species like King Crab.

The ongoing debate about the 'best' crab state often boils down to a preference reflected in regional focus. The tradition stemming from the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, centered on the Blue Crab, tends to place significant cultural capital into the *preparation* methods—how the crab is steamed or how minimally it is bound in a cake. Conversely, the Pacific tradition, featuring species like King Crab, often directs appreciation toward the inherent qualities of the crustacean itself, particularly its large *size* and the inherent *richness* and buttery quality of its meat, requiring less elaborate preparation to be appreciated.